Here’s a bold statement: Isaac del Toro is not just another cycling prodigy—he’s a testament to hard work masquerading as natural talent. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite being hailed as one of cycling’s new super talents, Del Toro himself refuses to accept the label. 'If you see how much I work to be successful, you wouldn’t call it talent,' he reveals in an exclusive interview. Is talent innate, or is it the byproduct of relentless effort? Del Toro’s story challenges us to rethink what we admire most in athletes.
At just 22, Del Toro’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2022, at only 19, he tackled a nearly full season in Italy with the Mexican A.R. Monex development team, even overcoming a fractured femur that could have derailed his progress. By 2023, he had won the prestigious Tour de l’Avenir, and in 2024, he turned professional with UAE Team Emirates-XRG after they outbid major teams with a staggering €2 million contract—a deal later extended until 2029. His professional debut at the Tour Down Under in 2024 was equally impressive, winning a stage and wearing the leader’s ochre jersey for three days. And this is the part most people miss: his success isn’t just about raw ability; it’s about grit, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
2025 was his breakout year, cementing his status as a future Grand Tour winner and the heir apparent to Tadej Pogačar at UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Yet, Del Toro remains grounded. 'I feel privileged to be in this position,' he admits, 'but I know it’s not normal, so I’m thankful to everyone who’s helped me.'
The 2025 Giro d’Italia was both his crowning achievement and his most painful lesson. Starting as the understudy to Juan Ayuso, Del Toro seized the race lead after a fateful stage to Siena, where he instinctively joined Wout Van Aert’s decisive attack. His leadership was solidified with a stage win in Bormio, but the race took a dramatic turn on stage 20 over the Colle delle Finestre. Following team orders to mark Richard Carapaz, Del Toro found himself isolated and outmaneuvered, losing the Giro in a tactical blunder. Here’s the controversial question: Was it youthful inexperience, or did Carapaz’s refusal to cooperate seal his fate? Del Toro’s only moment of anger toward Carapaz came in the podium area after the stage to Sestriere, and the two have yet to reconcile.
Despite the defeat, Del Toro emerged wiser. 'It still hurts, but it was a huge step forward in my career,' he reflects. 'It taught me the kind of rider and person I want to be.' His humility and resilience have earned him the admiration of UAE sports director Joxean Fernández Matxin, who praises him as 'a nice guy and a killer' on the road—a rare combination of kindness and competitive ferocity.
As Del Toro prepares for his third year at WorldTour level, expectations are sky-high. With Ayuso’s departure and Adam Yates’ evolving role, Del Toro is poised to lead UAE at the Giro, while Pogačar targets the Classics and the Tour de France. Matxin predicts another leap in 2026, calling Del Toro’s 2025 performance 'a masterclass.'
But here’s the real question for you: Is Isaac del Toro the next Pogačar, or will he carve out a legacy entirely his own? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think his success is more about talent or hard work? And how do you think he’ll handle the pressure of being a team leader? One thing’s for sure: Del Toro’s journey is just beginning, and it’s a story you won’t want to miss.
