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France 28 Jul – 30 Jul 2026 Class2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website www.tourdelain.com
Tour de l’Ain 2026 Overview
The 38th edition of the Tour de l’Ain (UCI Category 2.1) takes place in eastern France, running from July 28 to July 30, 2026. The race features 3 stages covering a total distance of 454.3 km with over 6,100 meters of elevation gain across the Ain department and Jura mountains.
Race Schedule & Stage Breakdown
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Profile / Terrain | Key Features / Climbs |
| Stage 1 | Tue, Jul 28 | Parc des Oiseaux $\rightarrow$ Bourg-en-Bresse | 160.9 km | Flat / Rolling (950 m} elevation) | Ideal for sprinters or breakaway attempts |
| Stage 2 | Wed, Jul 29 | Saint-Vulbas $\rightarrow$ Lagnieu | 161.9 km | Medium Mountains (2,203 m elevation) | Col de Portes ($14.6\text{ km at } 5.4\%$) |
| Stage 3 | Thu, Jul 30 | Oyonnax $\rightarrow$ Lélex Monts-Jura | 131.5 km | High Mountains (2,985 m elevation) | Col du Berthiand, Col de Menthières, Lélex Monts-Jura finish |
Key Race Details
- Class: UCI Europe Tour (2.1)
- Organiser: Alpes Vélo
- Key Contenders: Climbers and puncheurs aiming to test their form in the mountain finishes, along with a strong mix of UCI WorldTeams, ProTeams, and Continental squads.
2026 Tour de l’Ain Stage Results
Stage 1 (July 28): Parc des Oiseaux $\rightarrow$ Bourg-en-Bresse (160.9 km)
- Winner: Noah Hobbs (EF Education-EasyPost) – Sprinted to victory out of the main peloton to secure his second career pro win and take the overall race lead.
- Runner-up: Alberto Dainese (Soudal – Quick Step)
- 3rd Place: Bohémond Barrillot (France) / Matteo Milan (Groupama-FDJ)
Stage 2 (July 29): Saint-Vulbas $\rightarrow$ Lagnieu (161.9 km)
- Winner: Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost) – Took a solo victory after attacking from the lead group with 9.5 km remaining following the main ascent of the Col de Portes.
- Runner-up: Noa Isidore (Decathlon CMA CGM) [+54s]
- 3rd Place: Nicola Conci (XDS Astana Team) [+54s]
- General Classification Leader: Markel Beloki moves into the overall lead (Yellow Jersey) heading into the final mountain stage.
Stage 3 Results
- 1st: Axel Mariault (CIC Pro Cycling Academy) — Stage Winner
- 2nd: Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost)
- 3rd: Brieuc Rolland (Groupama-FDJ United)
Key Highlights & General Classification
Overall Winner (GC): By taking 2nd place on Stage 3 after his solo victory on Stage 2, Markel Beloki successfully defended his lead and secured the yellow jersey to claim overall victory in the 2026 Tour de l’Ain.
Stage Finale: Axel Mariault snatched the victory out of a reduced sprint finish, denying EF Education-EasyPost a full sweep of stage wins across the 3-day race.
🟡 General Classification (Yellow Jersey / Maillot Jaune)
- Winner:Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost) cyclinguptodate.com
- Beloki secured his first professional GC title after taking the leader’s jersey on Stage 2 and successfully defending it through Stage 3. en.brujulabike.com
👕 Distinctive Jerseys Overview
| Jersey | Classification | Winner / Holder | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow 🟡 | General Classification (GC) | Markel Beloki | EF Education-EasyPost |
| Green 🟢 | Points Classification | Noah Hobbs | EF Education-EasyPost |
| Polka Dot ⚪🔴 | Mountains Classification (KOM) | Markel Beloki | EF Education-EasyPost |
| White ⚪ | Best Young Rider Classification | Markel Beloki | EF Education-EasyPost |
(EF Education-EasyPost capped off a dominant 3-day tour, claiming GC victory, Stage 1 via Noah Hobbs, and Stage 2 via Markel Beloki).
