BREAKING: Isaac del Toro crashes out of Itzulia Basque Country 2026 on Stage 3, casting doubt over Ardennes plans

Isaac del Toro’s Itzulia Basque Country 2026 has come to an abrupt end after the Mexican rider was forced to abandon following a crash during Stage 3.

The UAE Team Emirates XRG leader had already found himself under pressure after losing significant time in the opening two stages, but the third day around Basauri offered a realistic opportunity to reset his race, either through the breakaway or by stabilising his position in the general classification. Instead, his race ended prematurely, dealing a setback not only to his Itzulia ambitions but potentially to his wider spring campaign.

Del Toro had been expected to play a key role for UAE Team Emirates - XRG in the Ardennes Classics, with a leadership position lined up for both Amstel Gold Race and La Fleche Wallonne, before shifting into a support role for Tadej Pogacar at Liege Bastogne Liege. With his withdrawal in the Basque Country coming after a crash, attention now turns to his condition and whether the incident will impact those plans.

The timing is far from ideal. Itzulia often serves as a final competitive block ahead of the Ardennes, particularly for riders targeting punchy one-day races, and Del Toro now loses that opportunity to build form through racing.

The abandonment follows a challenging opening to the race for Del Toro, who had already ceded time to Paul Seixas in both the opening time trial and the decisive moves on Stage 2.

Stage 3 had presented a different type of profile, one more suited to aggressive racing and breakaway opportunities, but that chance disappeared with his crash and subsequent withdrawal.

With no immediate update yet on the severity of the incident, the focus now shifts to recovery and whether he can return in time to meet his planned targets in the coming weeks.