"I’ll need to be alert” - Isaac del Toro readying himself for the biggest few stages of his career at the 2025 Giro d'Italia

Heading into the final weekend at the 2025 Giro d'Italia, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac del Toro leads the general classification by 41 seconds. Just 21 years old and only in the second Grand Tour of his career, the Mexican is readying himself for the biggest few stages of his life.

With stage 18 rather drama free for the GC contenders, Del Toro was able to enjoy a 'rest' day in the safety of a calm peloton. “It was a calm day for everyone — we arrived together in the bunch, and nothing really happened. We’re relaxed, but I think the whole peloton is just waiting for tomorrow and the day after,” assesses the Maglia Rosa in his post-stage interview afterwards.

When asked if he has a strategy for stage 19? “To be honest, not yet. I know I’ll have to be up front, but we’ll talk it over with the team tonight or tomorrow and decide what to do, day by day,” he answers calmly. “I feel good. I don’t think my confidence has necessarily grown after yesterday’s result, but I know I’m in good shape.”

With the likes of Richard Carapaz and Simon Yates lurking though, Del Toro will need to be at his very best to keep hold of the overall race lead by the time the Giro d'Italia reaches Rome. “Everyone’s riding really strong, and they’ve been smart tactically too. I’ll need to be alert and ready,” Del Toro concludes his preview of the massive day for the Maglia Rosa. “I just didn’t feel great on the bike that day, but I still gave it everything to stay with the others. I have no regrets. There are a lot of things that are out of my control, but I definitely hope to be at my best over the next two days.”