Imagine chasing a childhood dream, only to have it slip through your fingers at the last moment. That’s exactly what happened to Isaac del Toro at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, where he came agonizingly close to his first Grand Tour victory, only to see it snatched away on the penultimate day. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Del Toro isn’t letting that setback stop him. Instead, he’s turning his sights to the ultimate prize in cycling—the Tour de France. In 2026, he’ll make his debut at this iconic race, not just as a participant, but as a key support rider for none other than Tadej Pogačar, the world champion aiming for a record-tying fifth Tour title. This isn’t just a race for Del Toro; it’s the next chapter in his apprenticeship, a chance to learn from one of the best in the sport.
Del Toro’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 22 years old, the Mexican rider has already proven himself a force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in Ensenada, a coastal city in Mexico, he grew up in a family of cyclists, and his talent was evident early on. After racing in Europe through the Mexican A.R.Monex team based in San Marino, he burst onto the global stage with a stunning win at the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir. That victory earned him a spot on UAE Team Emirates-XRG, where he’s been making waves ever since. His performance at the 2025 Giro, where he held the lead until the final days, cemented his potential as a Grand Tour contender.
And this is the part most people miss: Del Toro’s journey isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about representing his country. He’ll be racing the Tour de France in the Mexican national champion’s jersey, a title he won in October in his hometown. ‘It’s really special,’ he said. ‘I don’t know if that’s ever happened before. To have the flag is incredible—it’s something I’m very proud of.’ For Del Toro, this isn’t just a race; it’s a chance to inspire a nation.
But let’s not forget the controversy. While Del Toro’s role is primarily to support Pogačar, there’s no denying he’s a talent in his own right. Should he focus solely on learning from Pogačar, or should he seize opportunities to race for himself? It’s a question that divides opinions. Del Toro himself seems to strike a balance: ‘Some races are about taking chances and trying to reach a different level this year,’ he said. ‘We’ll see how things go, and I’m excited.’
His 2026 season is packed with challenges. Starting with a debut at the UAE Tour, he’ll join Pogačar at Strade Bianche, followed by Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo. Then it’s on to Itzulia Basque Country and the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes before the big event—the Tour de France. Along the way, he’ll juggle supporting his team leader with pursuing his own ambitions. It’s a delicate balance, but one that could define his career.
Meanwhile, Pogačar’s schedule is equally ambitious, with Monument victories at Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix on his radar before the Tour. And while Del Toro is focused on France, teammate João Almeida is skipping the Tour altogether, setting his sights on the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España instead. It’s a strategic split that highlights the team’s depth and diversity.
As Del Toro prepares for his Tour de France debut, one thing is clear: this is more than just a race. It’s a dream realized, a nation represented, and a career at a crossroads. But here’s the question: Can Del Toro balance his role as a support rider with his own ambitions? And what does this mean for the future of cycling’s rising star? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
