The Vuelta a Andalucía - Ruta del Sol starts out with five categorized climbs peppering the opening stage from Puente de Genave to Santiago de la Espada. Most important is the category 1 Despiernacaballos, a 10.6 kilometre climb crested just 7.4 kilometres from the finish.
Friday's third stage between Alcalá de Guadaira and Alcalá de los Gazules, 160.4km in length, has another brutal kick to the finish with even steeper grades than on the previous day.
Stage 4 on Saturday from Olvera to Iznájar is hardly any better for any sprinters who might have mistakenly showed up to the race. Two category 3 climbs and one category 2 ascent punctuate the final 60km, with the Fuentes de Cesna just over 10km from the finish.
The fast men, if they can get over the mid-stage category 1 Puerto del Sol and sharp cat. 3 Los Nuñez with 31km remaining will enjoy the only flat finish of the race on the 183.4km stage from Otura to Alhaurín de la Torre.
Maps of the 2023 Vuelta a Andalucía - Ruta del Sol
Image 1 of 5
Map for stage 1
(Image credit: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol)
Map for stage 2
(Image credit: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol)
Map for stage 3
(Image credit: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol)
Map for stage 4
(Image credit: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol)
Map for stage 5
(Image credit: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol)
Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.
