"The best advice I get from my dad is to learn from those around me" - Markel Beloki shares before his first professional season

Markel Beloki, the son of Joseba Beloki, who at his prime, was no short of the closest rival to the likes of Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich, is set to become the successor of father's legacy as the 18-year-old youngster enters the pro ranks in 2024 with American EF Education-EasyPost on a two-year deal.

"We know that becoming a professional is super difficult so the best advice I get from my dad is that I just need to take it step-by-step and learn from those around me," Beloki told GCN.

"I obviously don’t have memories of my dad racing because I was born in 2005 and his last race was a year later but I’ve watched it on YouTube and for me it’s not pressure, it’s an advantage because he can teach me so much," Markel only sees positives of his dad being a former pro.

"We’re doing some new things for me here, with a focus on nutrition, and of course materials. It’s been super busy and it’s amazing to have all this new kit. It’s like Christmas to have all of this," he shares his excitement. "In the future, I don’t yet know what sort of rider I can be. I’m good at time trialling and I can climb but I think that there’s more I can do. We have to see with Grand Tours but next year it’s more about development."