Orangeville, Ont.s’ Luke Valenti could hardly have asked for a better start with his new Cortizo Team. The Canadian claimed overall victory at the Sanroma Memorial–a three-day stage race–giving the Spanish squad a win straight out of the gate in its first race of 2026.
It also marked a return to winning ways for Valenti, who finished last season on a high at the Volta a Galicia.
Preparation for the new campaign had been far from ideal. Persistent rain disrupted training plans and forced the cancellation of the team’s intended opener in Portugal. As a result, the trip to La Mancha doubled as both season debut and early measuring stick ahead of the Spanish Cup round in Don Benito next weekend.
Over three days of racing, Cortizo made its presence felt. The team marked the important moves, with Maksym Bilyi, Martin Solhaug and Valenti all active at the front.
Luke Valenti on what it took to win the Tour de Beauce
With wind and the double ascent of the Alto de Hortezuelas expected to shape the standings, the race remained finely balanced heading into the final stage. Valenti began the day level on time with overall leader Joan Roca.
The decisive break formed with around 60 km remaining. Solhaug made the move, and Valenti bridged across soon after. The cooperation worked. The gap held to the finish, where Hugo Pradas won the stage sprint, while Valenti secured the overall title. Solhaug and Bilyi both finished in the top six, sealing the team classification for Cortizo.
Valenti, who won the 2023 Tour de Beauce, moved to Israel-Premier Tech Academy (now NSN cycling) for two years following. In 2026 he will be riding for Club Ciclista Padronés – Cortizo.
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