Riding as part of the EF Education-Aevolo team, Markel achieved an incredible victory on stage 3 at the summit of La Planche des Belles Filles and then defended the yellow jersey through the final two stages with brave support from his teammates.

Markel is part of our WorldTour team but linked up with EF Education-Aevolo for the five-day stage race.

The team supported Markel during the first two stages, finishing 14th out of over 50 teams in the opening team time trial and then aiding Alfredo Bueno in securing fifth place in the sprint on stage 2. Alfredo was racing in the EF Education-Aevolo kit for the first time, following his arrival on the team at the end of July.

On the all-important queen stage to the summit of La Planche des Belles Filles, the team worked hard to keep a dangerous break at bay before Marcel attacked from the reduced peloton with just under 4km to go. The 20-year-old quickly reeled in the leaders before dropping them before the finish, and with his dad, former pro Joseba Beloki, cheering from the roadside, Markel held on to take his first win in team colors and move into the yellow jersey as the race leader.

Over the final two stages, the EF Education-Aevolo team fiercely defended Markel’s lead, even when down to just three riders, and one challenging day in the mountains was still to come. Despite attacks from all sides during the final stage to Champ du Feu, Markel managed to hold on and secure the overall victory.

“It’s been a great week of racing with the devo team, and it was super nice to be fighting for the win,” Markel said following his GC win.

“We know that the La Planche des Belles Filles stage was the most important day of the race, and I tried, attacking with around 3.6km to go, and it was incredible to take the win. The team made sure that we arrived at the bottom of the climb with everything under control, which was a huge help. There were five riders in front, after an attack in the valley, but I felt super good on the climb, and after one attack from a rider, I followed, and then made my move. I caught the group that was in front and dropped them before the finish,” he said.

The win represented a significant result for Markel, who has battled back from a sickness that hampered his spring and early summer.

“It’s my first time as a pro and riding for the GC victory, so it of course means a lot. I started the season well, but then I got sick at Itzulia Basque Country. I had a big break, and three months with no racing, but then I came back at the Tour of Austria and then did an altitude camp. I’m not sure of my next race, but I know that I’ll go there with so much confidence now. I want to continue with this level. I also have to say a big thank you to the development team. All the riders and staff were very welcoming. The atmosphere was amazing, and when it’s like that, everything else comes with it. There were tough moments, like on the last day. The day before we lost three riders, so we were down to three and everyone planned to attack us, but my teammates did a super good job of controlling the break, and then I had to follow the GC riders on the final climb,” Markel said.

For Head Sports Director Mike Creed, having Markel on the team was a significant advantage. It offered the development team riders valuable experience in competing for GC and defending a lead. At the same time, it also allowed Markel to showcase his undeniable talent on tough terrain and against a peloton filled with quality riders.

“It was great to have Markel come and join us for the race,” Mike said.

“He’s had a bit of bad luck with injuries and sickness, so hopefully he’s enjoyed being part of EF Education-Aevolo. Our development riders certainly learned a lot from the experience and from racing with Markel. His presence on the team gave us more focus and more structure in terms of how we race as a team, and that’s going to really help with our riders in the future. I hope that the win for Markel is a stepping stone for him, too. Everyone really stepped up, and we can use this experience going into our next block of racing,” Mike added.