Ruta del Sol 2024 Route stage 2: Vélez-Málaga

Ruta del Sol 2024 Route stage 2: Vélez-Málaga - Alcaudete

Thursday 15 February - The 2nd stage of the Ruta del Sol was supposed to be a 158.8 kilometres long race from Vélez-Málaga to Alcaudete with 3,355 vertical metres, but the race has been cancelled.

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Vélez-Málaga is the capital of the mountainous Axarquía region to the east of Málaga. The first 20 kilometres are rolling gently uphill to Puente de Don Manuel, where the climb to Periana begins. It rises for 6.6 kilometres at 5.3% and following a flat section through the village the riders turn right to tackle the Puerto del Sol. Which adds another 6 of climbing at almost 7%. The total ascent from Puente de Don Manuel to the summit of the Puerto del Sol is 17.2 kilometres long and averages 5%.

The riders descend to Alfarnate to tackle the second climb a few kilometers later. The Puerto del los Alazores throws in 5 kilometres at 4.5%.

A more calm phase on undulating terrain is expected to last for about an hour before the Alto de Jaramillo adds a short and steep test to the mix – 3 kilometres long and averaging 10%. It’s the last KOM with 55 kilometres remaining.

Shortly after the the Jaramillo the route continues to climb for 2.7 kilometres at 5.1%. The terrain remains far from flat from then on. It goes up and down in undulating fashion before the last 8 kilometres climb at 3.3% to the line. Positioning will be crucial in the finale, as the last 500 metres rise on a narrow and cobbled road to Alcaudete Castle.

Dating back to Moorish times, the castle is one of the best restored strongholds in Spain.

Alessandro De Marchi holds fond memories of Alcaudete, as he won his first Vuelta stage there ten years ago.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 2.