Quick-Step on the lookout for the next Isaac del Toro; Signs a talented a 18-year-old climber

Isaac del Toro craze has already spread way beyond Mexico with multiple teams searching carefully for the next superstar coming from the nation that has until now lived for soccer above anything else. And while the runner-up from this year's Giro d'Italia is locked away from other teams by a lengthy contract at UAE Team Emirates - XRG, more talent is out there for grabs. Well, one less now with Soudal - Quick-Step striking the market to secure Said Cisneros.

The 18-year-old climber spent the junior category racing mostly in Italy with the renowned development structure A.R. Monex, the same one where Isaac del Toro took his first steps few years ago.

Although Cisneros is yet to follow in his older compatriot's footsteps by winning internationally, his talent didn't escape the eagle eye of Quick-Step scouts who picked Cisneros out of the many young talents to represent the Belgian team's under-23 subsidiary in the next season.

The excited rider already posed in his new team colours in a team announcement, introducing himself to the world: "Hello everyone, I'm Said Cisneros and I am pleased to announce that next season I will be racing with the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team. I'm really happy and excited, especially because it's going to be my first year as an under 23 rider."

He made it very clear, however, that he does not want to put pressure on himself in what will be his big debut. In his first year as an under-23 rider racing for one of the strongest development teams in the world, the most important lesson will be learning how to race next to the best of the trade:

"I want to start my next year, to be present in the best level races in this category like the Giro Next Gen, the Tour de l'Avenir.... My main goal with the team is to develop myself as it's my first under-23 year. It's a new category for me, I would like to gain as much experience as possible."

As could not be otherwise, he talked about cycling being a fashionable sport now in Mexico thanks to Isaac del Toro, although it is clear that the work being done in Mexico has high quality beyond the UAE rider. The continental team Petrolike has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2025 season featuring many Mexican talents with for example Cesar Macias turning professional next year. And the signing of Cisneros to a top development team is another proof of the excellent work with talent:

"Cycling in Mexico has been growing in recent years, a lot actually. Especially with Isaac del Toro, who is one of the leading figures within the WorldTour. So as Mexicans, we are becoming more and more present in the peloton. And that is very exciting because we have a lot of talent in Mexico and a great desire to grow more."

Next to becoming the junior national champion in late October as A.R. Monex swept up the race, Cisneros has also triumphed twice at the national level in Italy, and finished 17th on the demanding course of World Championships in Kigali against some of the most coveted talents of the category.