Ruta del Sol, edition 2016, leaves from the province Huelva, near the Portuguese border, with stage 1 leading from Almonaster la Real to Seville. Following a hilly opening in 60 kilometres, the next 90 kilometres are on flat roads, making way for a bunch sprint in the streets of Seville.
Stage 2 offers chances for fast men as well, only difference is a 2nd category climb is to be crested with 22 kilometres left. The race closes with a circuit in Córdoba.
Friday, February 19, brings the first mountains when stage 3 takes the riders from Monachil to El Padul. At 158 kilometres, the course offers four climbs, while the last one, Puerto del Valle, is crested with 16 kilometres left.
The 21 kilometres ITT takes place in and around Alhaurín de la Torre. The Camino de Comendador is a section to be watched as this road rises at an average grade of 15%.
The closing stage doubles as Queen Stage. At 170 kilometres, riders are to crest four peaks before they head for the closing climb up Alto Peñas Blancas, Estepona – 16 kilometres at 6,2%.
Not for the first time, the Ruta del Sol offers a promising route and now it is up to the riders to turn the route into compelling racing.
Ruta del Sol 2016: Route, profiles, and more
Click on the images to zoom.
Route and profile 1st stage
Route and profile 2nd stage
Route and profile 3rd stage
Route and profile 4th stage 
Route and profile 5th stage
Climb details Alto de Peñas Blancas
Start and finish at Google Maps
Ruta del Sol Tweets