Ruta del Sol 2017 Route stage 5: Setenil de las Bodegas – Coín

Sunday, 19 February 2017 - The 5th and last stage in Ruta del Sol starts in Setenil de las Bodegas and travels to Coín, which is located 30 kilometres north of Marbella. At 151.5 kilometres, the route takes in a number of ascents, yet the race is not as hard as last year's closing stage.

The last stage in the 2016 Ruta del Sol, or Vuelta a Andalucia, was won by Alejandro Valverde. On the closing climb up the Puerto de las Peñas Blancas near Estepona, the four time winner went on the attack in an almost intimidating fashion. The height profile of that race was totally different from today's. It was the Queen Stage with a 14.5 kilometres climb at 6.6% for dessert.

Stage 5 in 2017's Ruta del Sol takes in the climbs up the Puerto del Viento (3rd category) and the Puerto de las Abejas (3rd category) before descending to the arrival town. After a first passage through Coín a hilly circuit of 57 kilometres is set to close the five-day stage race. The Alto de Jarapalos (3rd category and 5.1 kilometres at 2.5%) is the biggest hurdle. The hill is crested with 16.5 kilometres left to race.

It's a special year for Coín. The Ruta del Sol comes to a close in the Andalucian town north of Marbella, while stage 13 in the upcoming Vuelta a España leaves from Coín.

Results/race report 5th stage 2017 Ruta del Sol.