Beloki Strikes From Distance And Seizes The Tour De L’Ain Lead

Markel Beloki claimed the first professional victory of his career with an impressive solo attack on stage 2 of the Tour de l’Ain. The 21-year-old Spaniard from EF Education-EasyPost made his decisive move during the closing kilometres between Saint-Vulbas and Lagnieu and finished almost a minute ahead of his pursuers.

The 162-kilometre stage was shaped by two ascents of the Col de Portes. After the early breakaway was caught, EF Education-EasyPost increased the pace during the second passage and helped split the peloton. Beloki moved into the front group alongside his Ecuadorian teammate Jefferson Alexander Cepeda, the winner of the Tour de l’Ain in 2024.

The leading riders appeared ready to contest the victory in a reduced sprint when Beloki changed the race. He attacked on the flatter roads with fewer than ten kilometres remaining and used his time-trial ability to build a gap that the chasing group could not close.

Beloki crossed the finish line 55 seconds ahead of Noa Isidore and Nicola Conci. Axel Mariault and Rémi Arsac completed the top five with the same time as the first chasers. The result also moved the Spaniard into the overall lead, 52 seconds ahead of Mariault and 55 ahead of Isidore.

The victory confirms Beloki’s development after he won a stage and the overall classification at the 2025 Tour Alsace. The son of three-time Tour de France podium finisher Joseba Beloki has spent his first seasons building experience, but his performance in Lagnieu showed that he is now ready to turn that potential into major results.

Beloki will have to defend the leader’s jersey in the final stage between Oyonnax and Lélex Monts-Jura. The 131.5-kilometre route contains seven classified climbs, including the first-category Col de Menthières near the finish, meaning his advantage remains valuable but not yet definitive.