PRESS CONFERENCE: "I don't know if that's happened before" - Isaac del Toro poised to make Mexican sporting history with Tour de France debut confirmed

Isaac del Toro spoke to the media during UAE Team Emirates - XRG’s press conference, discussing his race programme for the season, his upcoming Tour de France debut alongside Tadej Pogacar, lessons learned from his near miss at the Giro, and how he sees his long term development as a rider.

You will race the Tour de France this year. Can you tell us about your programme and how that decision came about?
As a Grand Tour, yes. In general, I will start at the UAE Tour, then Milano–Torino, then the Basque Country, and then I will do the Tour de France. That is the beginning.

Was it your decision to go to the Tour with Tadej, to learn from him?
Yes. The idea is that when I am always with him, it is part of the job to learn as fast as I can. I try to understand the race better and learn how these races work for the future. I think it is good for me.

Do you see yourself one day in his position, maybe in three or four years?
Hopefully, yes. Like many riders, I want to try. But there is no rush and no pressure. Of course I want to be better one day and reach that level.

Who do you see as your biggest rivals, either within the team or in other teams?
There are a lot of riders. I will not say names because I will forget someone for sure. There are many strong riders and I just need to stay focused and always try to do my best.

This will be your first Tour de France. What is your goal there?
To enjoy the race and see how it is in the end. I have done the Vuelta once and I think it is good to also know the Tour. It is good to be there.

Will there be races where you can pursue your own ambitions, or will most of the programme be in support of others?
It is part of the process. Not all of the programme is with Tadej. Some races are about taking chances and trying to reach a different level this year. We will see how things go and I am excited.

Are there races you already know will be for yourself?
It depends on the situation and how I can handle things. I will race with UAE and with other leaders as well, and it will be interesting for the whole year.

Many people feel you could have won the Giro. Do you agree, and what did you learn from that race?
It is something I learned quickly after that race. I tried to manage the Giro as best as I could. In the second part of the season I tried to fix many problems I had during the Giro and tried to believe more in myself. In the end it worked, so let’s see if I can do it again. The Giro was special for many reasons.

Were there mistakes that meant you did not win the race?
Yes.

Can you explain how the decision came for you to ride at the Tour de France? Was that something Tadej wanted?
Maybe yes, you need to ask him. From my side, I always want to be there. As a kid it was a dream, and now it is part of the plan. I want to be up there with the guys and be at that level. It is something I always wanted.

Are you thinking about specialising in stage races or one day races, or do you want to keep doing both?
Every rider is different, and personality is important. I just try to enjoy it. I did not expect to be competitive in one day races like this and also in a Grand Tour so quickly. I had different ambitions before, but now I can realise some others. I am excited.

So you already know which one you like more?
Of course I know, but maybe I will not say.

You won the Mexican national title last year. What does it mean to go to the Tour de France wearing that jersey?
It is really special. I don't know if that has happened before. It was a goal I had as a kid, and now to have the flag is incredible. It is something I am very proud of.

Can you tell us about your beginnings in cycling?
I did other sports before. Cycling was the last one. In my family on both sides there was cycling, downhill, road and mountain bike. With my brother we decided to do it. When you have an older brother and you are competitive, you always want to be better. I took many opportunities and day by day cycling changed my life.

Which sports did you do before cycling?
Football, swimming, many different things. Maybe too many, and then I ended up with cycling.

You said you made mistakes in the final stage of the Giro. What were those mistakes?
I forgot that I was one night in the front and I was playing with the riders.

Who was responsible for that?
Me.

How big is the Tour de France in Mexico as an event?
Now it is as important as the Giro. People know it more. It is the biggest event in cycling and I am very excited to be there.

Do you feel you are the next superstar of cycling?
No.

Why not?
A lot of people think so. I am too humble.

Where do you think you can still improve the most?
Maybe durability. I do not train it too much, so that is something I can start doing.