Markel Beloki Seals The Tour De L’Ain Overall Victory

Markel Beloki has completed a controlled and convincing victory at the Tour de l’Ain. The 21-year-old Spaniard finished second on the final stage and safely defended the advantage he had created with his solo triumph one day earlier.

EF Education-EasyPost assumed responsibility for the race from the start of the decisive stage. Despite an demanding route that offered several opportunities to attack, Beloki was never placed under serious pressure and reached the finish with the leading riders.

Axel Mariault won the reduced sprint to claim his first professional victory, while Beloki crossed the line immediately behind him. Second place was more than enough for the Spaniard to secure the overall classification with a 52-second advantage over Mariault.

The victory confirms the progress Beloki has made in stage races. His decisive move came on the previous day, when he attacked after the Col de Portes and rode alone to the finish, taking both the stage and the leader’s jersey. It was a performance built on timing, descending ability and the strength to maintain his advantage without assistance.

This is the second stage-race title of Beloki’s career after his victory at the Tour Alsace in 2025. The surname inevitably recalls his father Joseba, but Markel is beginning to construct his own record through results rather than comparisons. His next scheduled race will be the Vuelta a Burgos, where he will face another opportunity to test himself against a stronger field.