Ruta del Sol 2018 Route stage 2: Otura - Alto de Allanadas

Thursday, 15 February 2018 - At 140 kilometres, the 2nd stage of the Ruta del Sol runs to a steep finale at the Alto de Allanadas. Located near La Guardia de Jáen, the closing climb is 4.5 kilometres, while the average gradient is 10.8%.

Three years ago, the 4th stage of the Ruta del Sol finished at Alto de Allanadas. Chris Froome took the win 29 seconds ahead of Alberto Contador, who had bested the Briton the day before at Alto de Hazallanas. As El Pistolero's victory was with a 27 seconds margin the overall win eventually went to Froome.

The Allanadas lies a few kilometres outside of La Guardia de Jáen. The climb begins south of the place and after the passage the riders turn left to head for the Ermita de San Sebastián. The first 1.5 kilometre is nothing special, but then the it's double gradient time. While the steepest ramps are 17%, the 4.5 kilometres climb is averaging 10.8%. Only taking account of the final 3 kilometres, the average gradient is 12.8%.

Sergio Pardilla climbed to victory at Alto de Allanadas in the 2010 Ruta del Sol.

Basically, the route of the 2nd stage is a prolonged preparation for the final haul up the Alto de Allanadas. On rolling roads the parcours gets more demanding in the second half.