"At 7 years old he was already a great talent" - Isaac del Toro's youth coach convinced he can win the Giro

Isaac Del Toro took the maglia rosa on stage 9, and hasn't relinquished it for a single day since. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider has a legendary victory within a hand's reach. We all by might be shocked by such a turn of events, but not the director of his first team who oversaw the Mexican's rise since the age of 7.

Esteban Cruz, head of Mexico's Baja California team, made a statement published by Sporza in which he talked about the explosion and quality of Isaac del Toro: "If I realized right away that he was a great talent? Of course I did. We accompany young cyclists so they can participate in more national races. Del Toro was one of them and he also won national titles," he said.

"He's a versatile rider, but he's always been very focused. At one of the national championships, a lot of people asked me who that focused kid was, and it was Del Toro. And he won there, too," Cruz added.

One question could not be evaded: does Cruz believe in Isaac del Toro's overall victory at the Giro d'Italia? In his answer he seemed very convinced:

"He has a good chance. Although the next few days will be difficult with Carapaz. But Del Toro knows how to defend himself. He knows what he has to do in difficult circumstances and he also knows how to adapt to race situations. It's going to be fun. But he's going to win the Giro," he concluded resolutely.

Before the last two mountain stages, Isaac del Toro has 41 seconds advantage over Richard Carapaz and 51 over third Simon Yates. His two pursuers are sure to use every tool in their disposal to steal the pink jersey from young Mexican's shoulder.