Ruta del Sol 2025 Route stage 5: Benahavís - La Línea de la Concepción

Sunday, 23 February – The final stage of the Ruta del Sol features plenty of climbing in the first 100 kilometres, while the rest of the 168.1-kilometre route is as good as flat. The total elevation gain on the route from Benahavís to La Línea de la Concepción adds up to almost 2,600 metres.

Starting in Benahavís, west of Marbella, the riders climb from the gun. And not just a wee bit — it’s a 22-kilometre ascent with an average gradient of almost 5%.

Upon cresting the Puerto del Madroño at 1,065 metres above sea level, the route levels out for a few kilometres before continuing to the highest point of the day at 1,113 metres.

The riders then fly downhill to Ronda and tackle the next climb just after Benaoján — 5.4 kilometres at 4.1%. After plunging down to the valley floor, a brutally steep 1-kilometre ramp precedes a more gradual uphill to Cortes de la Frontera.

After descending into Cañada del Real Tesoro, the Puerto del Espino presents the second and last KOM-worthy ascent of the day. At 9.1 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.1%, it’s not as demanding as the Puerto del Madroño. The riders reach the summit with 73.2 kilometres remaining.

From there, the Ruta del Sol descends to San Pablo de Buceite to continue on flat terrain. The riders pass through Jimena de la Frontera, Castellar Nuevo de la Frontera and San Roque, before finishing on the Avenida del Ejército in La Línea de la Concepción, just 650 metres from the border between Spain and the UK.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 5th stage 2025 Ruta del Sol.

Another interesting read: results 5th stage + final GC 2025 Ruta del Sol.