Ruta del Sol 2018 Route stage 1: Mijas - Granada

Wednesday, 14 February 2018 - The 1st stage of the Ruta del Sol runs from Mijas to Granada and counts 197.6 kilometres. Last year's opening stage also finished in Granada, which resulted in victory for the eventual overall winner Alejandro Valverde. He outsprinted a select group. This year's finale is not as challenging, though.

Stage 1 in Ruta del Sol sets off in Mijas, as the 3rd stage in the coming Vuelta a España will. That race runs to nearby Alhaurín de la Torre, yet the Ruta del Sol opens with a long and hilly leg to Granada.

The route moves through Málaga and from Rincón de la Victoria onward the riders race last year's 1st stage. They climb Puerto de Zafarraya, Alto del Navazo, Alto de Alhama and Alto del Lucero before a rolling section runs to the finish in Granada.

Last year, the finale was marked by the Puerto de Monachil. This time the riders leave the 8.2 kilometres climb at 7,5% alone, so the race is not as tough.