Isaac Del Toro abandons Volta ao Algarve, but beats likes of Ganna and Van Aert in first time-trial as a pro rider - "I'm obviously very satisfied"

No waiting and no testing the legs. In his first time-trial as a professional cyclist, Isaac del Toro has finished fourth - at the Volta ao Algarve - beating the likes of Filippo Ganna and Wout van Aert against the clock.

“Yes, I'm surprised, it was my first time among the professionals and I'm obviously very satisfied. Initially it was hard to find my position on the bike, but then I loosened up and it went better," Del Toro shared with SpazioCiclismo. "Maybe I would have preferred a flat start, but things still went well."

The 20-year old Mexican rider has already impressed over the past few months and it is hard to argue that there could be surprises but somehow yesterday's performance in the Algarve was still a shock to the system. Del Toro rode to fourth in the day only 37 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel; and finished ahead of great time-trialists such as Filippo Ganna, Wout van Aert and Stefan Bissegger. Not bad for a debut race in his new bike and equipment.

“There was great competition, with some big names, so it's nice and motivating to be among them. This is the most important time trial I've raced so far and I'm happy that it went so well," he admits. "I'm still in the process of understanding and learning, they are new experiences for me and so far I'm enjoying them to the full." Not everything was great however, overnight Del Toro is said to have had a "rough night" according to the Portuguese race and will not start the final day of racing.