Change of plans? Isaac del Toro reportedly set for surprise Ardennes call-up for UAE Team Emirates
Cycling
Isaac del Toro’s 2026 programme at UAE Team Emirates - XRG may already be evolving, with respected journalist Daniel Benson reporting that the Mexican is set to add the Ardennes Classics to his spring schedule.
According to Benson, sources suggest del Toro could be drafted into the Ardennes block, a notable development given those races were not part of his originally outlined early-season calendar.
Such a move would potentially see the 22-year-old line up at Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, adding a new dimension to a campaign that was already built around major stage races and a Tour de France debut later this summer.
Results to match the reputation
Del Toro’s level is already reflected in the races he has won and contested over the past 12 months. His Giro d’Italia campaign in 2025 saw him finish second overall and take a stage victory, before a dominant run through the Italian autumn one-day races underlined his range beyond pure stage racing.
That trajectory has carried straight into 2026. Overall victories at the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico have placed him among the most consistent performers of the early season, while also confirming his ability to deliver across different race formats and terrain.
Against that backdrop, the significance of a potential Ardennes appearance lies not in opportunity, but in application. It would represent UAE expanding the scope of where and how one of their key riders is used, rather than introducing him to a new level.
What it could mean in the Ardennes
What remains unclear is how such a call-up would translate in terms of role across the block.
Benson’s report does not specify which races del Toro could target, and with UAE’s plans for the Ardennes yet to be publicly confirmed, his exact position within the team would likely depend on race selection.
Liege-Bastogne-Liege in particular could see him line up alongside Tadej Pogacar, where his role would be expected to shift towards a protected support option within the team’s overall strategy.
Elsewhere, in races where Pogacar is not expected to start, del Toro could find himself in a more prominent position, potentially leading or sharing responsibility in a team that has already shown a willingness to trust him in major races.
Why the Ardennes fit
On profile, the Ardennes Classics align naturally with del Toro’s characteristics. His ability to handle repeated climbing efforts, accelerate on steep gradients and remain effective deep into selective races has already been evident across both stage races and one-day events.
Races such as Liege-Bastogne-Liege in particular reward that combination of endurance and punch, making them a logical extension of the terrain where he has already proven competitive.
If confirmed, his inclusion would also give UAE another rider capable of influencing outcomes in races that are often decided by small groups on the final climbs, rather than simply adding depth in support roles.
For now, the move remains unconfirmed, but the report itself points to a season that may not remain fixed for long.
Sources say Isaac del Toro will add the Ardennes to his calendar this spring. 🇲🇽
— Dnlbenson (@dnlbenson) March 18, 2026
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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