Life has completely changed in recent months for Isaac del Toro (Ensenada, Baja California, MEX; 2003). Although he had brilliantly opened his WorldTour record at the Tour Down Under 2024 and achieved a standout victory at the Basilica of Superga, back as finish line of Milano-Torino in 2025, absolutely no one could suspect what was in store when ‘Torito’ lined up at the start of the Giro d’Italia in Albania.
Initially a ‘superdomestique’ or a ‘free electron’ for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, which featured Juan Ayuso as the main reference point for the general classification – the Spaniard later withdrew due to a chain of misfortunes, despite conquering the Tagliacozzo stage -, Isaac established himself as a cycling sensation in the most beautiful stage of the Corsa Rosa in Siena. On the Strade Bianche of Tuscany, he evaded every leader’s surveillance, took a rejuvenated Wout Van Aert with him, and began writing the first page of a legend that reached its climax ten days later, in Bormio, where he repeated his characteristic bow.
Relive the last kilometre of stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia 2025!
Del Toro ended up losing that Giro in the cruelest way possible, overtaken at Finestre and Sestriere by Simon Yates (Visma | Lease a Bike), whom Van Aert -Wout gave it to you; Wout took it away- propelled toward the Pink glory in the Eternal City. An opportunity that, like all things in sport, might not return, but which the Mexican analyzed with that striking humility and realism: “I didn’t feel like I could win it, I just felt like I was winning in a race that hadn’t finished yet”, he declared a few days ago on a well-known television channel in his native Mexico. “The mistake happened, I was left with the regret, but it served me for the opportunities that would come in the future. And every race that came afterwards was a chance for revenge for me.”
16 of his 18 victories in 2025, the year he climbed to third place in the world rankings, came between June and October. Some were as resounding and impressive as those in GranPiemonte, where he was the absolute master and commander. He made Italy his permanent playground – not surprisingly, he lives on the Peninsula, in San Marino, rooming with Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), with whom he shared enormous satisfaction during this Giro. Sport has changed his life. “Now things are different on the street, I can’t do things the way I used to. But my job is still the same pleasure; I take it easy and enjoy it. I still have a lot to do in my sporting career.”
Relive the final kilometre of victory at GranPiemonte 2025!
Undoubtedly, one of the most enjoytable unknowns for all fans in 2026 is knowing how far Del Toro will reach 2026. With Tadej Pogacar and Joao Almeida all within the ranks of the Emirati team, objectives will have to be expertly shared by their management. But there is no doubt that Isaac has a special passion for our races. It will be a pleasure to welcome him back. Happy 22nd birthday, ‘Torito’!
Relive the final kilometre of victory at the Milano-Torino 2025!
