Isaac del Toro turns tables on UAE exit speculation before contract confirmed - "It’s more about why not? Not about why I should stay"
Cycling
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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