Ruta del Sol 2023 Route stage 2: Diezma

Ruta del Sol 2023 Route stage 2: Diezma - Alcalá la Real

Thursday 16 February - The 2nd stage of the Vuelta a Andalucía travels in 156.1 kilometres from Diezma to the ruined castle above Alcalá la Real. The elevation gain is 2,730 metres, while the 3.4 kilometres long climb to the line is partially cobbled. The last kilometre goes up at 11.5%.

The first 40 kilometres go mainly downhill and after cresting the Puerto del Zegrí and Los Rosales, both 4.6 kilometres long, the riders enter a finishing loop near Alcalá la Real. Although the roads are far from flat the real uphill action is concentrated on the Puerto de la Hoya de Charilla. It’s a wildly irregular ascent of 10.3 kilometres long. The hardest part begins 5 kilometres before the summit with a 1.5 kilometres section at 14%. Following a short drop the climbing continues at around 8% on overage to the top.

The Hoya de Charilla is crested with 22 kilometres to go. The first half is on descent before the rest of the route winds its way to Alcalá la Real on treacherous, leg-breaking terrain.

The Fortaleza de la Mota above Alcalá la Real used to be of huge stategic importance and in recent years the ruined castle serves as the end station of Ruta del Sol stages. In 2021, Ethan Hayter crossed the line celebrating, 7 seconds ahead of Miguel Ángel López, while the rest of the field was scattered all over the flanks of the castle climb. Last year, Alessandro Covi did something similar, finishing 3 seconds ahead of Miguel Ángel López with Iván Sosa and Jack Haig 1 second further behind.

The fortress is perched on a hill overlooking the town. The ascent is 3.4 kilometres long and rises at 6.3%. Which is an average gradient – the road gets steeper near the finish line. The last kilometre climbs at 11.5% and also features ramps that exceed 20% on cobbled pebble.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint comes with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 2.

Another interesting read: results 2nd stage 2023 Ruta del Sol.