Joseba Beloki

Joseba Beloki, born on August 12, 1973, in Lazkao, Spain, is a former professional road bicycle racer. Beloki turned professional in 1998, and he is known for his climbing and all-around skills. During his career, Beloki achieved several notable successes, including podium finishes in the Tour de France.

In the 2000 Tour de France, Joseba Beloki achieved his first podium finish by securing third place overall. This was a significant milestone in his cycling career, establishing him as one of the top contenders in the grand tours. His strong performance in the mountains and consistent racing allowed him to compete with the best.

Joseba Beloki improved upon his previous year's performance by finishing second overall in the 2001 Tour de France. This remarkable achievement was a testament to his climbing abilities and tenacity. Beloki's performance helped solidify his reputation as one of the top cyclists in the world during the early 2000s, competing fiercely against Lance Armstrong.

Continuing his success in the Tour de France, Joseba Beloki finished in third place in the 2002 edition of the race. His consistency in securing top finishes highlighted his status as a premier cyclist. However, in a race dominated by Lance Armstrong, Beloki remained one of the few challengers who consistently posed a threat.

On July 14, 2003, during the ninth stage of the Tour de France, Joseba Beloki suffered a severe crash while descending in the Alps. The incident occurred on the road to Gap, when Beloki's rear tire slid on melted tar, causing him to fall and sustain multiple injuries. This crash effectively ended his campaign in that year's Tour and impacted his career subsequently.

Following his recovery from the injuries sustained in the 2003 Tour de France, Joseba Beloki signed with Team Saunier Duval-Prodir in 2004. This move marked a new chapter in his professional career, providing him with an opportunity to continue competing at a high level, although he never fully regained his prior status as a top contender in the grand tours.

On November 16, 2006, Joseba Beloki announced his retirement from professional cycling. His decision to retire was influenced by the lingering effects of his injuries and his inability to return to his previous level of performance. Beloki concluded a career that included multiple podium finishes in the Tour de France and a respected standing in the cycling community.

In January 2011, Joseba Beloki's name emerged in connection with Operation Puerto, a doping scandal that implicated several high-profile cyclists. Though he denied doping, the scandal negatively impacted his reputation and highlighted the pervasive issues of doping within professional cycling during his career era. The revelations were a point of controversy and reflection for the sport.

In 2013, Joseba Beloki participated in a memorial ride to honor the late Charly Gaul, a renowned Luxembourgian cyclist. The event gathered several former professionals and cycling enthusiasts, celebrating Gaul's legacy. Beloki's participation underscored his continued involvement with the cycling community and his respect for the sport's history.

In July 2015, Joseba Beloki made a guest appearance as a cycling analyst during the Tour de France television broadcasts. His insights provided viewers with expert commentary based on his experiences as a former professional cyclist. Beloki's contributions were well-received, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of race strategies and cyclist performance with the audience.