PRESS CONFERENCE: “I’ll try to make a difference whenever I can” - Isaac del Toro unfazed ahead of first Tour de France
CyclingFriday, 03 July 2026 at 12:00
Isaac del Toro is on the verge of realising one of the great dreams of his career. The Mexican will make his debut this Saturday at the 2026 Tour de France wearing the national champion’s jersey and lining up with the powerhouse UAE Team Emirates XRG. At the pre-race press conference attended by CyclingUpToDate, Del Toro laid out his goals.
At the Grande Boucle he will take on the role of lead domestique for Pogacar in the hunt for another victory for the Slovenian. For Del Toro it is a golden chance to finally shine on the sport’s biggest stage.
At 22, Del Toro also arrives in one of the best moments of his still young career. His recent win at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes confirmed the outstanding form he brings to France, a level that suggests that, if race dynamics allow, the Mexican could even fight for the top positions in the general classification while working for his leader.
On the eve of the start, Del Toro faced the media to discuss his objectives, the thrill of sharing a team with Pogačar, and what he expects from his Tour de France debut.
Full Isaac del Toro press conference Q&A
Q: What is your goal for this first Tour de France? How do you feel?
A: “I’m happy to be here. It’s my first Tour and I’m very excited to get to know this race. I think my main goal is to enjoy it as much as possible and really understand what these three weeks are like.
Of course, it’s impossible to forget how my country is experiencing everything that’s happening. I feel very happy and very privileged to be in this position. I’ll try to learn and be there in the critical moments when needed.
Obviously, I’ll try to make a difference whenever I get the chance.”
Isaac del Toro, a star of world cycling
Q: What does it mean to you to race the Tour de France alongside Tadej Pogačar to help him fight for victory?
A: “Honestly, it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. It’s something really special to be able to do it. Just being on the Tour de France start line, with the best team in the world and trying to help Tadej, means a lot to me.
I still struggle to believe the person I’m becoming as the years go by. I feel very privileged and very happy. I hope to learn a lot and I simply want to give everything over these three weeks.”
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Q: What do you expect from your first Tour de France?
A: “I expect a very tough race. I won’t be surprised by the level we’ll see over these three weeks. I think every day will be very important from a tactical point of view.
I’m thrilled to experience the sport in this way. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I started riding a bike. I’m excited and also nervous. It’s normal to have so many cameras and so much attention, but I’m very happy to be here.”
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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- I want to see all the main contenders and their top lieutenants remain healthy through this tour. if that happens I think the podium is Pogi, Jonas, IsaacsweetishChef03-07-2026
- The man has always given a charming interview, and he continues here. He doesn’t disrespect anyone, praises every place he goes and every win, refuses to talk badly of past teams, and keeps a positive tone toward everyone. Plus he sees del Toro as his successor (did he ever say the same about Ayuso, Almeida, Yates? Don’t think so). Let’s hope he keeps this going during the Tour - we know from last year that when his tone shifts maybe he’s hurt. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.RidesHills03-07-2026
- My username is a play on his. Perhaps, it's also time for me to move on from cycling news.
KerisVroom03-07-2026 - Can't blame him for hanging on. Those sweet, sweet $$$ are too enticing.KerisVroom03-07-2026
- What a slightly ignominious finish for a rider so dominant. He should've either seen the writing on the wall, or had someone in his inner circle with the guts to tell him - but then again, he was on a massive contract so who would turn down millions? At least he's finally acknowledged it. Leaving it hanging was deeply awkward and weird.antipodeanpedalfan03-07-2026
- Vino should use Horner's tactics: relocate to an obscure hotel at the last minute so doping controls can't find him to test. Then dope to the gills and go on to win the hardest mountain stage and the overall.Santiago03-07-2026
- Well knock me down with a feather!Lozza02-07-2026
- Go Pogi! ❤️Lozza02-07-2026
- I’ve always wondered if Chris Froome doped. He looked superhuman in some of his TdF races. But the new man on the throne is even better. The new Terminator !! I’m ready to be amazed at this year’s TdF again.
PogiFan2Day02-07-2026 - the king of mue'swhkman02-07-2026
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