"If I can help him in any way, I will" - Tadej Pogacar backs Isaac del Toro at the Tour de France

Cycling
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 16:46
Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar on Stage 10 of the 2026 Tour de France
Tadej Pogačar tackles stage 17 of the Tour de France 2026 with the calm that comes from a solid overall lead, but without losing sight of UAE Team Emirates XRG’s broader goals. On the start line, before a day he views as tougher than the profile suggests, the Slovenian made it clear the team will stay sharp both in the fight for yellow and in protecting Isaac Del Toro’s bid to cement a podium in Paris.

A demanding stage 17

The race leader warned that the stage could prove far trickier than it looks on paper. “It’s a very hard start and, hopefully, an easier finish, although you never know,” he told Eurosport. For Pogačar, the key lies in the explosive opening, where another fierce battle to form the break is expected.
“In my view it’s quite a difficult day. On the profile it doesn’t look so hard, but it’s going to be very, very demanding,” the Slovenian champion insisted, convinced the stage outcome will hinge largely on who slips into the day’s move.
Asked whether they might allow a break to go if it contains no threats to the general classification, Pogačar steered clear of predictions. “You never know who’s going to make it,” he said, hinting that UAE will assess the group’s make-up before deciding whether to take the reins in the bunch or give the attackers leeway.
Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Tour de France
Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Tour de France 

Helping Del Toro and his objectives

Beyond the race for yellow, the leader acknowledged the team also has a shot at the squads classification. However, he stressed that target sits behind the overall win. “We’re close in the team classification and the guys would like to get it, but it’s not the main priority. We’ll see what happens,” he said.
Attention also turned to Isaac Del Toro, who starts the third week effectively on the podium with a healthy buffer over several rivals. Asked if he would work to protect the Mexican’s third place, the maillot jaune didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, I think so,” he said. “As I’ve said before, the main objective is the yellow jersey, but if I can help Isaac in any way, I will.”
The Slovenian’s words reflect UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s collective strength at this Tour. With the lead seemingly under control and Del Toro established among the overall elite, the Emirati squad aims to close the race with a double in the classification, placing two riders on the final podium in Paris. Pogačar made it clear that, as long as his lead is not at risk, he won’t hesitate to put his experience at the service of his young teammate to help him complete a historic performance.
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