Axel Mariault has claimed the third and final stage of the Tour de l'Ain. The 28-year-old athlete from the French team CIC Pro Cycling Academy beat the overall leader Markel Beloki (EF) at the finish line in Lélex Monts-Jura and his compatriot Brieuc Rolland (Groupama - FDJ United), who crossed the line in third place after the 131-kilometer stage. Nicola Conci, once again delivering a strong performance, attempted to attack in the final kilometers and finished in sixth position.

The short stage race concludes with the overall victory for Beloki with a 52-second advantage over Mariault and 55 seconds ahead of Irishman Jamie Meehan, riding for Cofidis.

THE RACE - Today's stage, which started from Oyonnax, was decided on the final climb when the leading group consisted of Rémi Arsac (Decathlon CMA CGM), Jamie Meehan (Cofidis), Axel Mariault (CIC Pro Cycling Academy), Brieuc Rolland (Groupama - FDJ United), Jefferson Alexander Cepeda (EF Education – EasyPost), Markel Beloki (EF Education – EasyPost), Nicola Conci (XDS Astana Team), Huw Buck Jones (Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme) and Henrique Bravo (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team).

With attacks and accelerations, taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Cepeda and Beloki controlled the small group and when two kilometers remained to the finish, the Ecuadorian accelerated, dropping his rivals. A strong move but perhaps launched a bit too early: the group caught him back in sight of the line, denying him the victory which instead went to Mariault, claiming his first career win.

UPDATING