Ruta del Sol 2018 Route stage 3: Mancha Real - Herrera

Friday, 16 February 2018 - Stage 3 in the Ruta del Sol could very well turn out to be a chance for fast finishers. At 166.1 kilometres, the route travels from Mancha Real to Herrera.

Last edition, departure place Mancha Real played a central role in the finale of the Rutal del Sol's Queen Stage. The riders move through town twice before the race ended with a 5.3 kilometres closing ascent with an average gradient of 9.3%. Thibaut Pinot climbed to victory, 2 seconds ahead of Alberto Contador.

In this edition of the Vuelta a Andalucia the riders leave Mancha Real for a likely sprint stage. The route runs to Herrera, which lies exactly in the centre of the three most important cities of Andalusia - Sevilla, Málaga and Córdoba. Herrera is located 40 kilometres west of Lucena, the hub of last year's individual time trial (which was won by Victor Campenaerts).

The route of the 3rd stage runs on rolling roads from Mancha Real to Herrera.