Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso join forces in attempt to bring UAE a second San Sebastian victory in a row

Even without Tadej Pogacar, UAE Team Emirates - XRG still need to be counted among favourites. While the Emirati team doesn't have such an overwhelming advantage like was the case in the run-up one-day races, Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso are still to be expected among the main protagonists on Thursday.

The Mexican rider chose a rather low-profile schedule following his breakthrough Giro d'Italia. In July, he convincingly won the Tour of Austria, Clasica Terres de l'Ebre and finally let teammate Igor Arrieta take a victory at Villafranca de Ordizia last week.

Del Toro already has a brief experience with the Spanish WT Classic. In 2024, he arrived 49th while teammate Marc Hirschi raised his hands. This year, the two will be rivals and main names to watch in the battle for victory.

"I’m excited to be heading back to San Sebastian," said Del Toro in a press release. "The Basque fans are really passionate about cycling and always bring a special atmosphere. The team is on a great wave at the moment. We are working hard and enjoying ourselves at the races, and I think things are flowing well. The level at San Sebastián will be high, but I feel with the team we have, we can be competitive."

Juan Ayuso has not raced since the same Giro d'Italia where Del Toro took over leadership and finished in a sensational second place. Ayuso abandoned the race during last week after a bee stung him under eye, but there could've been more to it. Rumours of Ayuso breaking his 2028 contract have emerged since, but with both riders on the startline together, we can only imagine the situation has been resolved.

Starting in support of the two young stars will be Igor Arrieta, Jan Christen, Alessandro Covi, Domen Novak and Jay Vine. Christen and Vine in particular could play an important role, and if race plays out in the right direction, hope for a result of their own.