The 71st edition of the men’s Vuelta a Andalucía, also known as the Ruta del Sol, will take place from 19th to 23rd February, commemorating 100 years since the race’s first edition in 1925. Spanning over 800 kilometres across five stages, this year’s event offers a challenging mix of terrain, including eleven categorised climbs and the introduction of new elements designed to ignite the competition.
The race begins on 19th February with a 162-kilometre opening stage from Torrox Costa to the Cueva de Nerja. Riders will take on five categorised climbs through the Axarquía region, navigating through towns like Sayalonga, Frigiliana, and Canillas de Aceituno. This finish at the Cueva de Nerja marks a return to the area’s rich cycling history, where icons such as Luis Ocaña achieved stage wins in the 1960s and 1970s.
The second stage covers 133 kilometres from Alcaudete to Torredelcampo in Jaén province. The Alto del Castillo de Locubín and two climbs of the Alto de los Villares are set to shape the day’s action. Torredelcampo will host a stage finish for the first time as the peloton winds through scenic towns, including Valdepeñas de Jaén and Martos.
On 21st February, the third stage runs 162 kilometres from Arjona to Pozoblanco, offering a debut finish in the Valle de los Pedroches. Riders will climb the Alto de Españares before tackling the new “Kilómetro de Oro,” where time bonuses are awarded to the first across designated checkpoints. The day’s route passes through villages such as Marmolejo, Cardeña, and Dos Torres.
Stage 4, the race’s longest at 195 kilometres, starts in Córdoba, a city steeped in the event’s history. The peloton will pass through Lucena, Antequera, and other historic towns before reaching Alhaurín de la Torre, a familiar stage finish for the Vuelta a Andalucía. The “Kilómetro de Oro” returns, offering another opportunity for time gains near Antequera.
The final stage on 23rd February, spanning 172 kilometres, starts in Benahavís and concludes in La Línea de la Concepción. The first-category Alto del Madroño is the decisive climb, with a rolling route taking riders through Gaucín, San Roque, and other picturesque locations before finishing along the Avenida del Ejército. La Línea has hosted the race 15 times, with cycling greats like Freddy Maertens and René Marigil among its past stage winners.
This centenary edition features eleven categorised climbs, including the Alto del Madroño, and introduces the “Kilómetro de Oro,” a new time-bonus feature at intermediate points. These bonuses are expected to play a crucial role in determining the general classification.
Deporinter, the race organiser, has confirmed plans to attract a high-calibre peloton to mark the historic occasion. Past winners of the general classification include Maxim van Gils (2024), Tadej Pogačar (2023), and Wout Poels (2022). Last year saw the race affected by protests by Spanish farmers and knock-on police shortages, so the week-long race was reduced to just a 4.9km time trial, won by Van Gils. The organisation will be hoping that this year’s event runs more smoothly.