To win the 2018 Ruta del Sol climbing and time trialling are obligatory. As early as the 2nd stage the race takes in a tough summit finish at Alto de Allanadas after a 4.5 kilometres climb at 10.8%. Also, the 4th stage could have its impact on GC as this mountainous leg runs to a punchy last climb in
Alcalá de los Gazules. Stage 5 is an individual time trial of 13 kilometres with almost 5 kilometres on gravel roads.
Chris Froome is the only riders on the Ruta del Sol’s start list who won the race before. Chris Froome was the victor in his only attendance at La Vuelta a Andalucia – in 2015.
Favourites 2018 Ruta del Sol
*** Mikel Landa, Chris Froome
** David de la Cruz, Steven Kruijswijk, Andrey Amador, Wout Poels
* Tim Wellens, Jakob Fuglsang, Luis León Sánchez, Marc Soler