"I've learned that I can be a top rider" - Isaac del Toro pushes on to find positives after losing Giro d'Italia

Isaac del Toro entered the final competitive stage of the Giro d'Italia in the race lead but ultimately could not keep it. It wasn't to Richard Carapaz who has been attacking it all week however, but to a much superior Simon Yates who shocked the cycling world on the Colle delle Finestre.

"I'm very happy to be second, I need to be mature in this sense, a lot of people will be surprised that I have this level now, for my teammates it's not like that. Personally I find it hard to believe in myself and I've learned that I can be a top rider," the Mexican said in a post-race interview.

Del Toro did not have to answer to questions regarding his lack of collaboration with Richard Carapaz. The two entered an all-out battle right from the base of Finestre, and Del Toro followed the wheels of the Ecuadorian succesfully throughout the whole climb.

Most would've expected that to be enough to win the Giro, however Yates put on the ride of his life to distance both on the climb and put in 1:30 minute of lead. Carapaz' chances of winning the Giro were none if he were working with Del Toro after the climb, but the Mexican answered the bluff back.

The two then saw the gap of around a closeable two minutes to five as they stopped completely and in front Yates was helped by Wout van Aert. Against Visma's masterclass perhaps there was nothing UAE could do, but the stalemate led to a lot of criticism towards the 21-year old, from Carapaz himself as well.

"Obviously I'm disappointed to have lost the jersey, but we have to be happy as a team to have achieved this maglia bianca in the Giro d'Italia."

Del Toro sprinted to the line and officially lost the race lead, but will nevertheless end this Giro d'Italia in second place and has confirmed his potential as a Grand Tour rider in the making, completing an almost perfect race.