I still remember the first time I watched Isaac del Toro race — it was the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir, and I had no idea I was witnessing history.
A 19-year-old from Mexico was powering through Europe’s most prestigious U23 race, and he didn’t just win — he dominated.
As the final climb unfolded, I found myself yelling at the screen, cheering for a rider I barely knew.
That’s when I realized we weren’t just seeing a promising talent; we were watching the rise of cycling’s next superstar.
Since that breakthrough moment, del Toro’s meteoric rise has been impossible to ignore. At just 21, he’s already shaping the future of the sport with fearless attacks, relentless consistency, and the kind of flair that makes you fall in love with cycling all over again.
Who Exactly Is Isaac del Toro?
If you’re new to pro cycling, you’re probably wondering who Isaac del Toro is and why everyone’s talking about him.
Born on November 27, 2003, in Mexico, del Toro is a professional road cyclist who rides for UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates XRG.
At 1.80 m tall, he’s built for the demanding terrain of stage races — strong enough to crush climbs and fast enough to excel in time trials.
Del Toro’s story is one of rapid progression. In 2023, he became the first Mexican rider ever to win the Tour de l’Avenir, a race often called the “Tour de France for under-23 riders.”
That victory didn’t just put him on the map — it earned him a spot on one of the world’s most powerful teams, UAE Team Emirates.
By 2024, he was already shaking things up in the WorldTour. He won a stage at the Tour Down Under and finished third overall, showing he could compete with the best right out of the gate.
Fast forward to 2025, and he’s now ranked 4th in the UCI world rankings, with an impressive 18 professional wins to his name.
What Makes Isaac del Toro So Special?
Here’s the thing about Isaac del Toro — he’s not a one-trick pony. Some riders excel at climbing but struggle in time trials.
Others are powerful against the clock but fade on steep gradients. Del Toro? He’s a rare all-rounder who can do it all.
His versatility is exactly what makes him such a nightmare for his rivals. He can attack on climbs, defend in time trials, and even contest finishes when needed.
That mix of skills is why he’s already contending for overall victories in stage races — something most riders spend years trying to achieve. And let’s talk about his mental game. Del Toro races with the confidence of a veteran.
Whether he’s attacking alongside Tadej Pogačar in the World Championships or holding the pink jersey for 11 straight days at the Giro d’Italia, he shows zero fear. That mental toughness is rare in a 21-year-old and signals a rider destined for greatness.
How Has Isaac del Toro Performed in Major Races?
If you look at del Toro’s results over the last three seasons, it’s clear he’s on a superstar trajectory. Here’s a snapshot of his career-defining moments:
| Year | Race | Achievement |
| 2023 | Tour de l’Avenir | Overall Winner – First Mexican to win |
| 2024 | Tour Down Under | Stage win, 3rd Overall |
| 2025 | Giro d’Italia | 2nd Overall, Young Rider Classification, 11 days in pink |
| 2025 | Milano–Torino | Winner |
| 2025 | Tour of Austria | GC Winner + 3 stage wins |
| 2025 | Vuelta a Burgos | GC Winner |
| 2025 | Trofeo Matteotti | Winner |
| 2025 | Coppa Sabatini | Winner |
| 2025 | Giro della Toscana | Winner |
| 2025 | ITT World Championships | 5th place |
| 2025 | Road World Championships | 7th place (helped Pogačar win) |
It’s one thing to show promise — it’s another to consistently win across multiple races and terrains. Del Toro’s results prove he’s not just a flash in the pan.
He’s already conquering major classics, dominating week-long stage races, and standing on Grand Tour podiums.
Why Is Isaac del Toro So Important for Mexican Cycling?
Growing up, I can’t remember many Mexican cyclists making headlines in Europe’s biggest races.
That’s why Isaac del Toro means more than just another name on a results sheet — he’s rewriting what’s possible for riders from his country.
By winning the Tour de l’Avenir in 2023, he shattered a barrier no Mexican had ever broken. That win wasn’t just personal glory; it was a spark of hope for young cyclists back home.
Now, every time del Toro pulls on a leader’s jersey or attacks on a mountain stage, he’s carrying a new wave of Mexican talent with him.
And the impact is already visible. Cycling academies in Mexico report growing interest, inspired by del Toro’s achievements.
It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s doing for Mexican cycling what Pogačar did for Slovenia — turning a nation into a force to be reckoned with.
What Can We Expect Next From Isaac del Toro?
It’s easy to forget that Isaac del Toro is only 21. Most riders his age are still figuring out how to survive three-week races, and he’s already finishing second at the Giro d’Italia and top five at the World Championships.
The next few seasons could be explosive. Many insiders believe he’s a future Grand Tour winner — possibly as early as the 2026 Giro or Tour de France. His climbing is only getting stronger, and his time-trialing is improving every season.
Combine that with UAE Team Emirates’ powerhouse support squad, and it’s hard not to imagine him wearing a yellow, pink, or red jersey soon.
Personally, I’m most excited to see how his rivalry with riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard develops.
Del Toro’s fearless racing style makes him the kind of rider who doesn’t just follow wheels — he makes the race. And that’s exactly what cycling needs right now.
FAQs About Isaac del Toro
Q: How old is Isaac del Toro?
Isaac del Toro was born on November 27, 2003, which makes him 21 years old. Despite his young age, he’s already among the top riders in the world, ranked 4th in the UCI standings.
Q: What team does Isaac del Toro ride for?
He currently rides for UAE Team Emirates XRG, one of the strongest squads in professional cycling. The team is home to stars like Tadej Pogačar, and del Toro has quickly become one of their key leaders for stage races.
Q: What are Isaac del Toro’s biggest achievements?
Some of his most notable wins include the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir, Milano–Torino, Tour of Austria, and multiple one-day races in 2025. He also finished second overall at the 2025 Giro d’Italia and wore the leader’s jersey for 11 days.
Q: What type of rider is Isaac del Toro?
Del Toro is an all-rounder, which means he excels in multiple areas — from climbing and time trialing to stage racing. That versatility makes him a strong contender for Grand Tours and week-long stage races alike.
The Road Ahead Looks Bright — And It’s Just the Beginning
I’ll be honest — riders like Isaac del Toro are the reason I love this sport. There’s something magical about watching a young rider go from underdog to world-class contender in just a few seasons.
He’s not just winning races; he’s redefining what’s possible for Mexican cycling and injecting fresh energy into the peloton.
If his current trajectory is any indication, we’re not far from seeing him go head-to-head with legends like Tadej Pogačar for Grand Tour titles.
And when that day comes, I’ll remember that rainy afternoon at the Tour de l’Avenir — when a fearless teenager from Mexico first made me believe he was destined for greatness.
