Markel Beloki takes Tour de l'Ain lead with dominant stage win

Spanish cyclist Markel Beloki has seized the lead in the Tour de l'Ain after a commanding victory in the second stage, a challenging 161.9-kilometer race from Saint-Vulbas to Lagnieu.

At just 21 years old, this triumph represents Beloki's first professional win, building on his previous successes, including the 2025 Tour of Alsace and the 2023 Spanish junior time trial championship. The EF Education-EasyPost rider showcased his climbing prowess on the double ascent of the Col de Portes, a climb averaging 5.4% gradient over 14.6 kilometers.

The stage was anticipated to cause significant shifts in the general classification, especially after the opening day favored sprinters like Noah Hobbs, Beloki's teammate. While an early breakaway group including Jason Tesson, Kenny Molly, Morné van Niekerk, and Maximilien Juillard initially gained ground, the peloton, driven by the Unibet Rose Rockets team, eventually caught them on the second ascent of the Col de Portes.

Beloki, alongside his teammate Jefferson Alexander Cepeda, was among the leaders as the pace intensified. Initially working for Cepeda, Beloki soon realized he had superior strength and launched a decisive solo attack with less than 10 kilometers remaining. He crossed the finish line 54 seconds ahead of the chasing group, securing both the stage win and the overall lead heading into the final day of the race.