Markel Beloki Fernandez wins the 2026 Tour de l’Ain

Markel Beloki Fernandez takes the overall title at the 2026 Tour de l’AinMarkel Beloki Fernandez (EF EDUCATION - EASYPOST) has won the overall classification of the 2026 Tour de l’Ain, which concluded today with the final stage on the Plateau de Retord. The 23-year-old Basque rider finished the race with a total time of 10h46'15", beating Frenchman Axel Mariault (CIC PRO CYCLING ACADEMY) by 52 seconds and Britain's Jamie Meehan (COFIDIS) by 55 seconds.Beloki's victory was largely forged in the second stage, a 12 km individual mountain time trial from Lélex to Monts Jura, where the EF rider distanced all his direct rivals, building a lead that he then managed intelligently in Sunday's queen stage. On the Plateau de Retord, despite attacks from Mariault and Henrique Ribeiro Bravo (SOUDAL QUICK-STEP DEVO TEAM), Beloki controlled the race without faltering, crossing the line in the wake of the best group.The final standings show a tight group behind the winner: Rémi Arsac (DECATHLON CMA CGM DEVELOPMENT TEAM) completes the top five, 55 seconds behind alongside Meehan and Bravo. The level of the race, reserved for Under-23 riders and emerging professionals, confirmed Beloki's quality — already a rider to watch after his second place at the 2025 Giro Next Gen.For EF EDUCATION - EASYPOST, this is the first seasonal victory in a European 2.1 category stage race. Beloki said at the finish line: "I'm happy with the team's work. I knew the mountain time trial would be decisive and I gave it everything. Now we look ahead, but this result gives us confidence."The race, organised by Ain Cyclisme, once again proved its role as a showcase for young talent, with a route that highlighted the skills of climbers and time trialists. Beloki's next appointment will be the Tour du Jura, scheduled for late August.