Netcompany-Ineos land rising talent Beloki as Welsford joins Jayco AlUla

Netcompany-Ineos have confirmed the signing of Markel Beloki from EF Education-EasyPost, while Sam Welsford will depart the British team to race for Jayco AlUla in 2027.

Beloki, who turned professional with EF Education-EasyPost back in 2024, won the Tour Alsace in 2025, before taking the overall title at the Tour de l’Ain this season. 

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who is the son of former Tour de France runner-up Joseba Beloki, has put pen to paper on a contract of an undisclosed length of time.

“Joining Netcompany INEOS is a hugely exciting step for me. I’ve learned so much already in my first few seasons as a professional, and those experiences have made me even more ambitious about what I want to achieve,” Beloki said in an official Netcompany-Ineos statement. 

“There is still plenty for me to improve on, and I’m looking forward to working with the riders and staff here to take that next step.”

Beloki becomes the first signing announced by the British team this year ahead of the new campaign.

He’ll become the second new rider in the line-up for 2027 alongside double junior world champion Benjamin Noval, who the British team signed last year, to turn professional next season.

Having started the Giro d’Italia once and the Vuelta a España twice at just 21 years old, Beloki signalled his ambitions as a Grand Tour rider in the future. 

“My ambition is to develop as a stage racer and, in time, compete for results in the Grand Tours,” he said. 

“I know that it takes patience and consistent work, so being able to learn from experienced teammates, contribute to their success and make the most of my own opportunities is something that really motivates me.”

While Beloki arrives through the door ahead of 2027, 30-year-old Australian sprinter Welsford will depart the British team after signing for Jayco AlUla. 

Welsford, who joined Netcompany-Ineos at the start of this year and scored a stage victory at the Santos Tour Down Under in January, has signed a two-year deal with the Australian team. 

“I’m really excited to be joining Team Jayco AlUla next season. After five years racing at the highest level, it feels like the right time to come home and be part of an Australian team with such a strong history in the sport,” Welsford said in a Jayco AlUla statement. 

The 30-year-old, who won gold for Australia at the 2024 Olympic Games in the team pursuit, is set to reunite with two teammates from that winning squad in the form of Kell O’Brien, as well as Oliver Bleddyn, who has also just signed for the team ahead of 2027.

“Sam is a late transfer from Netcompany-INEOS this year. We have come very close to having Sam on our team in the past and it is really great that we have been able to finalise this deal and have him on our roster for the next two seasons,” Gene Bates, Head of Performance, said.

“Sam is well known to the team staff and riders, having raced for Australia for a number of years on the track, particularly at the Paris Olympics, where he was a key contributor in the men’s team pursuit winning gold and setting a new world record.” 

Welsford’s exit from Netcompany-Ineos adds to a growing list of departures from the British team. The American trio Andrew August, Magnus Sheffield and Artem Shmidt have signed for Pinarello-Q36.5, Uno-X Mobility and NSN respectively. 

Ben Turner will also leave the team, having signed for Soudal Quick-Step, while Bob Jungels and Ben Swift have both announced their retirements.

Meanwhile, Ciro Scognamiglio of La Gazzetta dello Sport has also reported that Filippo Ganna could leave the British team at the end of this season and join Lidl-Trek for 2027.