UAE gem Del Toro cycles too fast for his friends, but not (yet) as fast as Pogacar: "Metrics much better"

Third in the Down Under Classic, stage win and third in the Tour Down Under, fourth in the time trial in the Algarve, fourth in the Tirreno-Adriatico, seventh in the Basque Country, stage and overall win in the Tour of Asturias, thirteenth in Switzerland, finished in his first grand tour (the Vuelta a España) and sixth at the U 23 World Championships. Isaac Del Toro's debut year perhaps didn't get enough attention in 2024, so it's time to pay attention in 2025. What potential does the Mexican have, who only just turned 21? IDLProCycling.com spoke with him.

It was disappointing that Del Toro rode around anonymously in the Vuelta on behalf of UAE Team Emirates. We thought that new top talents were expected to compete immediately in a cycling world full of prodigies. Especially after UAE diamonds, Pogacar and Juan Ayuso immediately finished third in the GC of their first Vuelta in 2019 and 2022. And if Del Toro is already being compared to Pogi by his own coach...

But immediately performing like this in a grand tour is not normal, even if you have shown in the U23s that you can win a stage race. Pogacar won the 2018 Tour de l'Avenir, Ayuso won the 2021 Baby Giro and Del Toro also won the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir. So, after his UAE teammates, the road seemed paved for him to excel immediately in the WorldTour in 2024. A coronavirus infection prevented that in the Vuelta, and even if Del Toro had remained fit, an anonymous grand tour debut would not have been an embarrassment. He now finished 36th and showed up a few times on the offensive.

Still, the Mexican himself was (also) a bit disappointed after the Vuelta, he honestly admits. "Well, disappointed ... I wasn't pleased about it. Every rider wants to finish at the top and always get better. But that's also life; we have to accept something like that. I am generally very happy with what I accomplished in 2024, and I couldn't have wished for much more. This was enough, but for 2025, I am more ambitious. I want to perform better and secure better results, but that will also come with time. Of course, I want to improve, and sometimes I am sad, happy, or proud. That's part of it."

Read more below the photo.

Isaac Del Toro at the Vuelta a España 

Del Toro grew in debut season, and may now go to Giro d'Italia

To fuel his ambitious nature, UAE Team Emirates is sending him to the Giro d'Italia in 2025. He will form a dangerous trio with Adam Yates and Ayuso. "In any case, the team gives me the freedom to go for it from day one, and if I get to go for the GC, I want to be ready for it. I will also assist our leaders, but it's great to realize how much space I get to race freely and enjoy my second grand tour."

At UAE Team Emirates, they will also know sending Del Toro anywhere as a domestique makes no sense. The climber already showed he could win in his first year, and there was still much room for growth. "My metrics have greatly improved, looking at the Tour de l'Avenir in 2023. I was quite nervous when we started doing tests during our training camp in December, but I'm still improving. I don't know what to expect; I just want to enjoy the sport."

With Pogacar on the team, the bar is set very high. According to Del Toro, comparing his own metrics with those of the Slovenian makes no sense. "I don't want to do that; I don't have a zone 2 at 340 watts. If you start comparing yourself to other riders, you will never improve. I try to improve every day, but only look at my metrics. Then, I talk about all facets of cycling, especially nutrition. Ultimately, everything the team offers helps me be my best self on the bike."

Read more below the photo.

Del Toro showed himself a gifted time trialist in 2024

In Mexico, Del Toro is already held in high regard

Mexico has not yet produced that many riders in the WorldTour, let alone someone with that much talent. That doesn't necessarily create extra pressure from South America. "No, it doesn't; I only receive love from Mexico. However, I did feel the pressure and stress from myself earlier this year. However, in 2024, I noticed I didn't have to be nervous before a race and could always be there for my leaders. So I don't have to feel that pressure anymore."

You would get nervous for less... Del Toro came to UAE Team Emirates in 2023 from cycling club A.R. Monex, a team full of Mexican riders operating out of San Marino. After his transfer, he lived independently in the same microstate in Italy in 2024. "That was different. Suddenly, I had to do everything by myself. I suddenly lived far away from my own country and hometown of Ensenada for a long time, but I learned a lot about life and can be very happy about that. The airport is close; I already knew San Marino and the weather is good, so life is great there."

Far away from Mexico, Del Toro is thus making a name for himself. He found cycling through his father, who cycled, and his mother, who loved to watch him play sports. On TV, Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana were engaged in a Tour battle as Del Toro watched the Tour de France. "It's cool that now I'm riding among all these big stars, and I must defeat them. I know cycling is not a big sport in my country, but I am proud that everyone who knows the sport respects me for what I do. That means a lot to me; Mexicans who love cycling love me. Sometimes, I don't understand that, but they are fond of me in Mexico. I hope to return their results; it's nice to be there in the winter."

Read more below the photo.

Del Toro won the second stage of the 2024 Tour Down Under

Del Toro can no longer train with friends due to UAE policy

That many UAE executives and teammates live near San Marino helps Del Toro integrate with the world's best team. "If I have an injury or other questions, they immediately help me from the team. They are there for me, for all my problems. I'm lucky with this team." However, is it also annoying that besides him and Pogacar, there are five or six riders who can serve as leaders? Then, consider tomorrow's leaders, such as Pablo Torres. "That's only fun anyway; it makes it more exciting," he laughs.

Del Toro begins his season at the AlUla Tour in late January and sees only the advantages of UAE Team Emirates. Even when it is brought up, he is forced to complete all training in zone 2 with this team. And that is not ideal for friends who are not pros. "I have the same problem; I can't train with friends because I must cycle too fast. That in itself is not a problem because it is your job. I can always do coffee rides with my friends, lol."

It's paying off for now, and Del Toro is far from reaching his finish line. "I want to improve in everything; in power, in stages of five hours, then six hours... Making progress with the time that's all I desire. In 2024, I made the least hours for anyone on the team. I'm training more hours a week, with the same quality. That's the most important thing and probably why I'm improving."

Bram van der Ploeg (Twitter: @BvdPloegg | email: [email protected])      

Read also

Evenepoel shares unpleasant detail of December crash and responds to 'extreme' rumors about him and Oumi

Visma's biomechanist gave Jorgenson a reality check: "Like this you're one of the least efficient in the peloton"

Alongside Muys (17) there was also an 18-year-old Danish rider clinging to Pogacar’s wheel during KOM attack: "Toughest kilometers of my life"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe