Javier Pascual Llorente (Kelme) has won the Ruta del Sol. The Spaniard beat Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) by 0:08 and Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Kelme) by 0:09. Ruslan Ivanov (Alessio) won the final stage.

Stage 5 was a 178-km ride from Granada to Benalmadena that featured four Category 3 climbs and two Category 2 ascents. Santiago Blanco (Relax) made an early escape was joined by Jose Luis Martinez, Rafael Casero, and Gustavo Mario Toledo (all from Paternina); Ivanov; and Inigo Charreau (Ag2r). Toledo was dropped, but the other four forged a six-minute lead over an acquiescent peloton. Each member of the quartet attempted a late-race escape, and Ivanov's move succeeded. The Moldovan finished 0:02 ahead of Blanco and 0:04 ahead of Martinez.

Javier Pascual Llorente and Kelme displayed depth and teamwork. Kelme riders took two of the three places on the podium and controlled the race when they needed to. Where will the Spanish squad flex its muscles next? Check in at http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!