Ruta del Sol 2019: The Route

The 2019 Ruta del Sol is played out from 20 February to 24 February. In terms of GC, the five-day stage-race in Andalucia will probably come down to the punchy finale on day one, a hilly ITT halfway through the race, and the Queen Stage on the fourth day of action. Tim Wellens is title defender. (Slideshow route/profile)

The 1st stage of the Ruta del Sol is a hilly race to a short and sharp fina climb in Alcalá de los Gazules, where Tim Wellens took the spoils in last year’s edition. The Belgian attacked with Mikel Landa shortly after the base of the partly cobbled climb to the line.

The 2nd stage is played out on a lumpy course between Sevilla to Torredonjimeno. Yet, we should see the sprinters battle it out for the day honours.

GC men and time trialists are expected at the forefront in stage 3. An ITT of 16.2 kilometres travels to La Guardia de Jaén. The Puerto de 7 Pilillas is a climb of around 5 kilometres before the descent towards the finish line.

The Vuelta a Andalucia serves its Queen Stage on the fourth day. The race amounts to 120 kilometres and travels over two 1st category peaks to Granada. The Puerto de Monachil – 8.2 kilometres at 7.5% – is a likely candidate to pep up the finale.

The 5th stage travels from Otura to Alhaurín de la Torre, where Elia Viviani sprinted to victory in last year’s Vuelta a España.