Markel Beloki

At just 18-years-old, Markel Beloki is one of the youngest riders in the WorldTour. The Basque junior phenom makes his pro debut with us in 2024.

Last summer, Markel and his friends gathered around their TVs every time their favorite races were on. This year, Markel’s friends will do the same to watch Markel. They have known that he is a talent for a long time. Last year, Markel won five of Spain’s biggest junior races, including the national time-trial championships. He flies away from the best Basque riders on their local climbs. Going straight to the WorldTour is going to be a big jump, but Markel knows he’ll have time and world-class support to grow and develop at his own pace on our squad.

Long term, Markel’s dream is to be a three-week racer. He has believed that he can compete in races like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España ever since he dropped his dad on their favorite climb, the Zaldiaran, just outside his hometown, Vitoria-Gasteiz. Markel’s dad is the Basque cycling legend Joseba Beloki, who finished on the podium of the Tour de France three times. Markel is too young to remember watching his dad race. He was two when his father hung up his racing bike. Markel has only seen his dad's famous attacks on YouTube. But, as soon as Markel was old enough to ride, his dad would take him out into the hills of the Basque Country. There was never any pressure on Markel to race. He just loved it. At first, he liked beating his friends to the tops of local mountains. When he was 12, Markel joined a local club and started racing for real. He often rode with his dad, who taught him how to be a cyclist.

Now, Markel hopes to eclipse him.

He doesn’t want to get ahead of himself though. He is going to stay in school, doing his studies online, and just focus on getting better day by day on his bike. He sure does love showing off his EF Education-EasyPost jersey to his cycling buddies though.

Fun Facts

What is your favorite climb? What makes it special?
Zaldiaran. It is the most important climb in my city.

When a race gets tough, what do you tell yourself?
That I’m super strong and I can do it.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
Hawaii. It seems to be a good place for relaxing.

If you weren't a professional cyclist, what would you be? Why?
A physical education teacher. I love sports.

What is your favorite word in your native language? What does it mean? What do you like about it?
Goazen. It means let's go! It's the word that most of the people of Basque Country that like cycling say in all the races.

Date of birth: 07/27/2005
Hometown, Country: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country
Languages: Spanish, Basque, and English