Isaac del Toro turns tables on UAE exit speculation before contract confirmed - "It’s more about why not? Not about why I should stay"
CyclingThursday, 10 September 2026 at 12:25
Isaac del Toro has flipped the switch on speculation around speculation about his future in the lead-up to his contract extension with UAE Team Emirates - XRG. The Mexican reportedly was reluctant to sign a long-term contract but that speculation was ended in early August when UAE confirmed two years were added to his deal to keep him until 2031.
The Tour de France and Giro d'Italia podium finisher has been in superb form this season, and won the recent Deutschland Tour as he prepares to represent UAE Team Emirates - XRG at the GP de Quebec and GP de Montreal this weekend before flying the flag for Mexico at the World Championships.
Looking ahead to the races, which don't explicitly suit his credentials but do offer opportunities for him to make the difference needed, del Toro cut a bullish figure as he sizes himself up against the Worlds contenders.
“Everyone around me is positive about my chances, but I have to try to be smart and good,” he told WielerFlits.
Del Toro's future sealed with contract
“I want to be there in the final and then do my best. We are here as an ambitious team, so I have to maintain that momentum. Sprinting is always a bit tricky. But if I find myself in that situation, feel good, and am there with my teammates, then of course I’m going to try. It is possible. To be honest, my profile as a rider suits the GP de Québec quite well. We have to see what the smartest thing to do is and then try to make the best of it.”
In the aftermath of his Tour podium, speculation about the future of Paul Seixas and whether UAE would make a move for the French teenager stirred the pot when it came to Del Toro's future.
However, speaking weeks after his new deal was signed and sealed and Seixas speculation considerably cooled, the Mexican flipped the question to ask why wouldn't he remain with the structure that has seen him develop into a top tier rider, despite Tadej Pogacar being the undisputed leader within its ranks.
Isaac del Toro
Why leave UAE?
“In my case, it’s more about why not? Not about why I should stay. For me, it’s very nice to be among these kinds of people. Sometimes I even push myself a bit more, because the people around me want me to end up in a better place.
“It is a pleasant environment for me, and I am very happy with who I am now. I am grateful for the year I have had so far and, of course, hope for the best for the future.”
Del Toro notes that he's still improving and hoping to make further strides. He noted UAE's calm management of his development in not forcing goals or objectives onto his schedule as a major factor in his happiness at the team.
“When we talk about young riders, we always talk about development and things like that. But my trajectory is still moving forward. This team isn’t trying to rush me or push me into a situation that I feel I’m not ready for yet. That’s nice.
“My level is rising. I am letting my body increase its capacity over time, and hopefully, I will keep getting better over the years. I try to take things calmly. Time will tell me when I am ready – or when I am not.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Boring comment chump.whit2pet10-09-2026
- Soft
Front24210-09-2026 - I feel he will be like Chris Froome after his accident never getting back to his best. I hope EF can get the best from him and Carapaz if he does not go to Ineos takes him under his wing.paultryan200210-09-2026
- No no... don't spin your words around with me. Your last sentence tells me everything: @whit2pet: "All in all I think that most World Tour cyclists ARE PAID FAIRLY." Are these your words? Yes they are. NO, THEY ARE NOT PAID FAIRLY. Shame on you and stop your BS. Capish?PogiSloFans10-09-2026
- I made that exact comment in my response, but as you are clearly unintelligent you failed to pick it up. Rather than justify your position you chose to make borish comment. Slide back under your rock chump.whit2pet10-09-2026
- "All in all I think that most World Tour cyclists are paid fairly." ??? Reading a foolish and stupid statement like that makes me think: Stop watching cycling and start watching dart throwing or American wrestling. You don't even deserve an answer because of your foolishness and probably won't understand it. But I'll give it a try: Everything centers around the fact that the owners of the Grand Tours and Monuments like ASO - Amaury Sport Organisation, and others, are not interested in sharing their big television and sponsorship profits. BIG PROFITS!!! Why? Because they are f**** greedy, wanting more money constantly. They prioritize personal financial gain over ethics, fairness, or the well-being of cyclists... the same cyclists that make money for them.... Do you understand this? If not, go find yourself a corner!!!PogiSloFans10-09-2026
- With cycling being a "free to watch sport", how do you propose to raise the income to pay the cyclists more? The owners of the grand tours and monuments are not interested in sharing profits and with the sport refusing to make alterations to the Euro Centric calendar, the opportunity to increase income for the teams is extremely limited. All in all I think that most World Tour cyclists are paid fairly.whit2pet10-09-2026
- Hey Jumpyjohn... let your words become gold!!!PogiSloFans10-09-2026
- Pogi, being the G.O.A.T. ... should be getting, at least, 20 million euros per year.... Remco 10 million... Jonas 8.5 million ... etc. etc. All cyclists are being payed shit, compared to other sports. Competitive road cycling is undeniably one of the most brutal and physically demanding sports in the world... when evaluating pure endurance, suffering, and environmental risks such as crashes, heat, cold, rain, sleet, road furniture.PogiSloFans10-09-2026
- Yes, I’m tipping on around 1 minute lost in the TT but it’s best to remember anyone can have an off day or an incident and lose minutes if it’s at the wrong moment.Jumpyjohn10-09-2026
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