INTRO
Stage 14 packs a serious punch into just 154.5 km, running from the olive-oil capital of Jaén to a summit finish on the notoriously steep Sierra de La Pandera. Two Category 2 climbs, Los Villares and Puerto de Locubín, soften up the legs in the second half, but the real story is the final 11.9 km at 7.2% — a climb with pitches well into double digits that has produced dramatic GC action in past Vueltas. This is a day made for pure climbers.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Los Villares (10.5 km at 5.4%) and Puerto de Locubín (8.7 km at 5.1%) are honest, steady Cat. 2 grades — tough but rhythmic, the kind of climbs a strong rider can settle into. Sierra de La Pandera is a different animal entirely: 11.9 km averaging 7.2%, but with long stretches over 10% and reportedly pitches near 20% in its hardest sections. There's no easing off on this one — it's a true selective mountain-top finish.
The route winds through Jaén province's rolling olive groves before climbing into the Sierra Sur mountains near Valdepeñas de Jaén. Roads are narrow but well-paved on the lower slopes of La Pandera, turning rougher and more exposed near the summit, with sharp switchbacks and minimal barriers on the steepest pitches. Parking in Jaén city is straightforward; access to the finish area will be tightly controlled on race day given the narrow mountain road.
A very wide-range cassette (11-34 or larger, or even a mullet/mixed setup) is essential for Sierra de La Pandera's steepest pitches, which run well into double digits. Standard gearing will leave most riders grinding to a halt on the final kilometers. This is one of the harder climbs on the entire route — come prepared with your lowest available gear.
Jaén city has its own charm with a hilltop Renaissance cathedral and castle overlooking a sea of olive groves — this region produces more olive oil than anywhere else on Earth. The nearest major airport is Granada or Málaga, each roughly 90 minutes away by car. Sierra de La Pandera itself is remote with few services, so plan fuel and water stops in Valdepeñas de Jaén before tackling the final climb.
ROUTE MAP
