“He’s a superstar” – Isaac del Toro could be the catalyst for a UCI race in Mexico

Isaac Del Toro’s remarkable rise in 2025 has transformed Mexican cycling and sparked international conversations about bringing a top-tier race to his home country. The young Mexican went to the Giro d’Italia in May as a support rider for UAE Team Emirates – XRG leader Juan Ayuso but stunned the cycling world by seizing the pink jersey. He wore it until stage 20, when Simon Yates defeated him on the Colle delle Finestre, but still finished second overall and claimed the white jersey. His performance was so commanding that teammate Tadej Pogacar described him as the future of the sport.

Del Toro’s emergence has encouraged Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal organisers to explore opportunities in Mexico. According to reports in Wielerflits, a new event could be added to the WorldTour calendar. Sebastien Arsenault, the figure behind the Canadian races, made clear that Del Toro’s popularity and talent have opened doors for expansion. "I'm convinced that if I were involved in setting up such an event – and I say this with all due respect and humility – I'm convinced the UCI would support me,” he told Wielerflits.

Arsenault pointed to Del Toro’s star power as central to the idea of hosting a high-profile race in Mexico. “I can't speak for the Americans and organizing these kinds of events, but I do think there are openings in America. It could also easily be in Mexico, because they have Isaac Del Toro. He's already a superstar and still extremely young, so why not collaborate with Mexico?” he said.

He also stressed the active negotiations underway, noting, “I'm currently in discussions about a joint venture to see if there's an opening. I'm convinced that if I'm involved in setting up such an event, and I say this with all due respect and humility, the UCI will support me. Just like other parts of the cycling community.”

The prospect of a Mexican WorldTour race could mark a turning point. The country has been absent from top-level road cycling since the Vuelta Mexico Telmex ended in 2015, leaving fans without a domestic stage to follow international stars. “If we really want to make progress with Mexican races, I think this could be a great next step," Arsenault added.

Del Toro has continued to deliver results, recently winning three races in Italy and positioning himself as one of the few riders capable of challenging Pogacar at the upcoming world championships in Rwanda. His success has not only elevated Mexican cycling but also strengthened the case for a race that could bring the sport’s global spotlight back to the country.