“I’m always trying to annoy him — we have a laugh together”: Isaac del Toro on close bond with ‘friend’ Tadej Pogacar

Isaac del Toro’s engine shows no sign of cooling after a sensational season that saw him take 16 victories and finish third in the 2025 UCI World Ranking, behind only Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar. The 21-year-old Mexican, already being hailed as one of cycling’s brightest young stars, has reflected on his breakthrough campaign — and on what it’s like to learn alongside the sport’s dominant figure.

Speaking to Marca, Del Toro opened up about his relationship with Pogacar, describing it as one built on friendship and humour rather than hierarchy.

“He’s like another friend,” said the Mexican prodigy. “I’m always trying to annoy him — we have a laugh together, sharing what we love most. For now, it’s work, but it’s a beautiful thing to share.”

The comparisons between Del Toro and Pogacar have come thick and fast this season, with both riders shining for UAE Team Emirates across a range of terrains. The Mexican sensation confirmed his potential at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, where he wore the maglia rosa for much of the race and eventually finished second overall behind Britain’s Simon Yates after losing the lead on the penultimate mountain stage.

“Obviously, it was tough to lose the pink jersey,” he admitted. “It’s something that taught me a lot and gave me many lessons for the future. It wasn’t the way I’d have liked the race to finish, but without a doubt I can sleep peacefully. It doesn’t weigh on me anymore.”

That Giro performance cemented del Toro as one of the breakthrough riders of the year. He then added overall victories at the Tour of Austria and Vuelta a Burgos, and unleashed a prolific late-season run of Italian one-day wins — Milano–Torino, GP Industria & Artigianato, Giro della Toscana, Coppa Sabatini, Trofeo Matteotti, Giro dell’Emilia and Gran Piemonte — before sealing win no. 16 at the Giro del Veneto. He also placed fifth at Il Lombardia as Pogacar captured a record fifth straight title.

“Of course I know who Merckx was — he’s the greatest in history. I have enormous respect and admiration for him,” del Toro said. “But speaking from my own experience, I’ve only really seen Tadej. That’s the cycling I know; I admire and respect him deeply. For me, from what I’ve seen first-hand, he’s the best. But without question, looking at the history books, Merckx still comes out on top.”

Despite that heartbreak in Italy, del Toro’s poise impressed observers and teammates alike. Still just 21, he insists there’s no rush to become UAE’s next Grand Tour leader — even within a team packed with world-class talent.

“I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said when asked about sharing leadership roles. “There’s space for everyone. You don’t have to conquer the world in one big leap. It’ll come with time, hopefully we’ll get there — and if not, we’ll try to be as useful to the team as possible.”

The Mexican will turn 22 in November and already speaks like a rider with years of perspective behind him. Reflecting on his debut season, he rated it an eight out of ten.

“Overall, I’d give it a very positive assessment — there’s so much to take from everything I’ve learned this year,” he explained. “I could have been more demanding of myself in some areas, and in others I needed to pay closer attention to the details.”

Even when asked about the surprise departure of teammate Juan Ayuso from UAE Team Emirates, del Toro’s response was measured and diplomatic — another sign of his growing maturity.

“Honestly, yes — a little [surprised],” he said. “But in the end, I think he made the decision that was best for him. I’ve been able to talk with him a bit, and I think everything worked out fine in the end.”

With the wisdom of a seasoned pro and the hunger of a rising star, Isaac del Toro heads into 2026 as one of the most exciting prospects in the peloton — and with a friendship that ensures he’s learning from the very best.