Markel Beloki achieves his first professional victory at the Tour de l’Ain

Markel Beloki has his first victory as a professional. The Spanish rider from EF Education-EasyPost, just 21 years old, delivered a brilliant performance in the second stage of the Tour de l’Ain 2026, winning solo after an attack with less than 10 kilometers to go that also allowed him to take the leader's jersey in the general classification ahead of the decisive stage.

 Markel Beloki debuts his professional palmarès and dons the leader's jersey in the Tour de l’Ain

The French race continues to be the territory of EF Education-EasyPost. If on Tuesday the British rider Noah Hobbs had claimed the opening stage in a sprint, this Wednesday it was Beloki who took over with a high-level performance in the queen stage of the event.

: MARKEL BELOKI FERNÁNDEZ

At 21 years old, the Spanish cyclist achieves the first professional victory of his entire career and does so in the Tour de l'Ain, putting almost a minute into his pursuers#TDA2026 | #LaCasadelCiclismo pic.twitter.com/vyE9wTW2Gz

— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) July 29, 2026

The double ascent to Col de Portes decided the race

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The second stage, covering 161.9 kilometers between Saint-Vulbas and Lagnieu, featured a much more demanding route than the previous day, with two ascents to Col de Portes (14.6 km at 5.4%) set to break the race apart.

After a first half that was practically flat and controlled by the peloton, a breakaway formed by Jason Tesson, Kenny Molly, Morné van Niekerk, and Maximilien Juillard opened up a gap before the mountain. However, the work of the chasing group ended up neutralizing the break as the second ascent to Col de Portes began.

It was then that EF Education-EasyPost increased the pace and caused a significant selection. Beloki managed to filter into the front group alongside his teammate Jefferson Cepeda, the winner of this event in 2024, as well as Brazilian Henrique Bravo.

A decisive attack nine kilometers from the finish

Although initially the Spaniard worked for Cepeda, he soon proved to be one of the strongest riders of the day. Beloki continued at the front alongside Henrique Bravo and Jamie Meehan, who were later joined by Axel Mariault and Rémi Arsac.

When everything seemed set for a reduced sprint among the escapees, Beloki surprised with an attack with about nine kilometers to go. No one could respond to his acceleration.

The Spaniard gradually extended his lead to cross the finish line with a 54-second margin over the chasing group, where Noa Isidore (Decathlon) finished second and Nicola Conci (XDS Astana) completed the stage podium.

In addition to the victory, Beloki took the lead in the general classification of the Tour de l’Ain.

A year of consolidation for one of the promises of Spanish cycling

The victory represents an important step forward in the progression of Markel Beloki, son of former professional Joseba Beloki, who is experiencing his consolidation season in the professional peloton in 2026.

The Basque rider had already left a very good impression during the Itzulia, where he finished 13th in the general classification and was second in the young riders' classification. He later made his debut in the Giro d'Italia, gaining experience in his first grand tour.

Before making the leap to professionalism, he had already achieved notable results such as winning the Tour of Alsace 2025 and the title of junior time trial champion of Spain in 2023.

Everything will be decided in the final stage

The Tour de l’Ain will conclude this Thursday with a 131.5-kilometer stage between Oyonnax and Lélex Monts-Jura, a short but very demanding route that includes seven categorized climbs and finishes at Col de Menthières, a first-category climb with 9.1 kilometers at an average gradient of 7%.

Beloki will face the final day wearing the leader's jersey and with the opportunity to complete an unforgettable week by also winning the general classification of the event.