Markel Beloki’s debut campaign at the Vuelta a España came to an abrupt halt during the sixth stage, as the EF Education-EasyPost rider withdrew from the race due to dizziness and physical malaise triggered by extreme heat. According to team management, the 21-year-old cyclist struggled throughout the day before officially stepping off the bike, dealing a notable blow to the squad’s support structure for general classification contender Richard Carapaz.
The Sixth Stage Struggle and Race Withdrawal
The decision to pull out was confirmed during the broadcast of the race, where EF Education-EasyPost sports director Juanma Garate addressed the situation facing the young Basque rider. Garate stated that team officials were surprised by how poorly Beloki felt at the start of the stage. «Nos ha sorprendido que no se haya encontrado nada bien hoy.
Impact on EF Education-EasyPost Strategy
The loss of Beloki creates an immediate tactical challenge for EF Education-EasyPost as the Spanish Grand Tour moves through its opening week. The rider from Vitoria-Gasteiz was earmarked as a fundamental asset for protecting and pacing Ecuadorian climber Richard Carapaz in the high mountains. «Lo hablamos en Burgos y él estaba encantado de ayudar a Richi», Garate noted regarding pre-race preparations.
Beloki entered the Vuelta following a strong run of summer form. His recent results included capturing the overall title at the Tour de l’Ain and securing a solid eighth-place finish at the Vuelta a Burgos. Those performances established high expectations within the team, building on his aggressive racing style during the previous year’s Vuelta—where he frequently targeted breakaways—and his consistent top-ten positioning during the opening half of the Giro d’Italia in May.
Next Steps for the Team
EF Education-EasyPost will continue its campaign in the Vuelta a España without the young climber, reallocating remaining domestique duties to support Carapaz through the upcoming mountain stages.
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