Isaac del Toro is ready to pin on a race number again. The Mexican will return to competition this Thursday at the Gran Piemonte, a perfect appetizer before tackling one of the main objectives of this late-season period next Saturday: Il Lombardia.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider is part of the powerful line-up assembled by the Emirati team for the Italian classic, alongside Filippo Baroncini, Benoît Cosnefroy, Daan Dijkman, Luca Giaimi, Brandon McNulty and Jhonatan Narváez.
The Gran Piemonte will mark Del Toro’s return to racing during the final stretch of the season. The Mexican is aiming to rediscover his competitive sensations before facing Saturday’s major challenge, when he will take the start at Il Lombardia.
This will be far from an ordinary race for the UAE rider. Del Toro already knows what it takes to win the Gran Piemonte, having triumphed in the 2025 edition. That victory also formed part of a spectacular end to his season in Italy, which included wins at the Giro dell'Emilia and the Giro del Veneto.
This Thursday’s Gran Piemonte will cover 185 kilometres between Asti and Bra, with around ten climbs on the route. They include Manera, Tre Cunei and Roddino, as well as two passages over La Morra on the finishing circuit. The course should allow Del Toro to assess his form and regain his racing rhythm before the decisive appointment.
Isaac del Toro returns to competition after the World Championships
The appetiser before Il Lombardia
The real main event arrives on Saturday. Il Lombardia will be the season’s final Monument, covering 239 kilometres between Bergamo and Como, with around 4,600 metres of elevation gain. The race will feature climbs such as Selvino, Valpiana, Colle Brianza, Madonna del Ghisallo and Civiglio, followed by the final double ascent of San Fermo della Battaglia.
Del Toro is among the leading contenders for victory in an especially open edition, with five-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar absent. The Mexican finished fifth at Il Lombardia last year and will also be supported by reigning world champion Brandon McNulty. UAE will therefore have two top-level cards for the classic of the falling leaves.
Before attempting to win one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, Del Toro will face a first examination at the Gran Piemonte. This competitive test will provide an indication of his condition and could serve as the final tune-up for Saturday’s main objective.
Read also
UAE Team Emirates-XRG for 2026 Gran Piemonte
| Rider | Nationality |
| Filippo Baroncini | Italy |
| Benoît Cosnefroy | France |
| Isaac del Toro | Mexico |
| Daan Dijkman | Netherlands |
| Luca Giaimi | Italy |
| Brandon McNulty | United States |
| Jhonatan Narváez | Ecuador |
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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