Isaac del Toro reportedly set for Grand Tour debut at Vuelta a Espana 2024

In his first year as a rider in the WorldTour peloton, Isaac del Toro could hardly have dreamed for a stronger impact for UAE Team Emirates. Now, according to the latest reports, del Toro could already be in line for his Grand Tour debut.

The 20-year-old Mexican is, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Ciro Scognamiglio, likely to make his debut in a three-week stage race at the Vuelta a Espana later this year. The information explains that right now, Del Toro does not have any Grand Tours scheduled with UAE for the current 2024 campaign, but that a slot in the UAE team's lineup for the aforementioned Vuelta a Espana will be considered at a later date, taking into account the Mexican's performance in the months leading up to the race.

The decision would make a lot of sense, since del Toro aims to be a UAE star in the Grand Tours of the future, especially after his recent renewal until 2029, with which the team has conveyed its full confidence. For the Mexican to participate in the Giro d'Italia or the Tour de France would not be ideal, because of the presence of Tadej Pogacar as the absolute leader of UAE Team Emirates and because it would be too soon for the 20-year-old rider. However, seeing his potential so high, a first contact with the Vuelta could fit perfectly into the plans.

So far, in his first year as a professional, Isaac del Toro took third place in the Tour Down Under, fourth place in Tirreno Adriatico, seventh place in the Itzulia Basque Country, and participated in both Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo. He currently leads the Vuelta a Asturias classification, ahead of teammate Rafal Majka by 1 minute and 5 seconds, after winning the opening stage of the race.