"I had stomach problems" - Isaac del Toro denies helping Tadej Pogacar to Worlds win

The 2025 World Championships in Kigali came to a close for Isaac del Toro this Sunday, 28 September, with the elite men’s road race. The Mexican cyclist was one of the standout performers. Although he didn’t take home a medal, he secured an impressive 7th-place finish — firmly within the Top 10 — and played a key role in helping Tadej Pogacar clinch the rainbow jersey.

Why helping? Because when Pogacar launched his decisive attack on Mont Kigali, the Slovenian was only followed by Juan Ayuso. The Spaniard was the sole rider able to stay on his wheel. But on the descent, Isaac del Toro managed to bridge across and, upon reaching the Mur de Kigali shortly afterwards, he seized the opportunity to attack, dropping Ayuso in the process.

Then, with 65 km remaining, del Toro ultimately sat up, leaving Pogacar to ride solo — a relentless effort that led to his second consecutive world title. This sparked criticism of the Mexican rider, with some accusing him of working for Pogacar rather than representing his own nation. However, speaking to Cycling Pro Net after the race, del Toro explained that his actions were due to a stomach issue:

"Obviously, I don't yet have the level to race 260 kilometres and win. I had stomach problems when I was out front with Tadej Pogacar. Then, during the final lap, they came back. I had to ease off to try and manage it. But even so, I was really suffering," del Toro admitted.

"Honestly, I wanted to go for it today. My goal was to finish the World Championships with no regrets about my performance. I wanted to be in the race. My two teammates from Mexico gave everything for me and were fully committed from the start. I wanted to show that we were here to race to win," added the Mexican rider, who ended the day in 7th place.

"The level of today’s podium was incredible. I'm proud to have fought in this race. I think it's been a long time since Mexico had a presence like this in a race of such stature, so I’m proud," del Toro went on to say.

Finally, del Toro shared a post-race conversation he had with the World Champion himself: "Pogacar told me after the race that I need to keep developing and working hard. I congratulated him on his win and the incredible ride he put in. He won by a minute and a half. He’s someone I admire and respect deeply. I'm working to close the gap to him, step by step, but I know it’s going to be very tough," he concluded.