“Seeing the work Isaac did in the finale was incredible” - Benoit Cosnefroy in awe of Isaac del Toro’s leadership in first race together for UAE Team Emirates

Isaac del Toro’s commanding ride to overall victory at Tirreno-Adriatico left a strong impression on new teammate Benoit Cosnefroy, who admitted he was struck by the Mexican’s leadership during their first race together for UAE Team Emirates.

The young overall winner had already taken control of the race earlier in the week and arrived at the final stage with the general classification firmly within reach.

The closing day along the Adriatic coast ultimately ended in the expected sprint in San Benedetto del Tronto, allowing Del Toro and his teammates to safely guide the race leader to the finish and seal the overall victory.

Speaking afterwards in conversation with Cyclism'Actu, Cosnefroy reflected on Del Toro’s performance across the week and the composure he showed in the decisive moments that defined the race.

For Cosnefroy, Tirreno-Adriatico offered a first close look at the leadership qualities that helped Del Toro control the race across the week. “You always hope for it, but you never really expect to win so many races, even though that’s become a bit of a habit for UAE in recent years,” Cosnefroy said. “In cycling, the goal is always to try to win races. Seeing the work Isaac did in the finale again yesterday was incredible.”

The French rider also highlighted the calm and focused approach Del Toro brings inside the team environment, particularly during key moments such as race briefings. “He’s a strong rider,” Cosnefroy said with a smile. “He’s someone who is very calm and very focused. He’s a leader who can speak up during a team briefing and bring the whole group together to try to win.”

Despite the intensity of the race, Cosnefroy admitted that sharing the experience with the overall leader and contributing to the victory made the demanding week worthwhile.

“I don’t know about being tireless,” Cosnefroy said when asked about the intensity of the race. “There’s definitely a lot of fatigue after this week. But there’s also a lot of happiness being here with Isaac, being with the leader of the race and especially after such a great victory yesterday. It’s a huge joy to be part of this team.”

After a demanding week of long stages and constant pressure in Tirreno-Adriatico, Cosnefroy said recovery would now be the immediate priority before turning attention towards the next phase of the season.

“I hope this race sets me up well for the rest of the season,” he said. “First, I’ll need to recover. There’s a lot of fatigue after this week. The stages are very long, and there are many hours on the bike. It’s a very demanding race.”

Cosnefroy confirmed his next race is expected to be Milano-Torino before taking a short break at home ahead of the Classics campaign. “I’ll go to Milano-Torino on Wednesday, then spend a short period at home to rest before the Classics.”

After a week racing alongside Isaac del Toro for the first time, Cosnefroy leaves Tirreno-Adriatico not only with fatigue in the legs but with a clear impression of the leadership guiding UAE Team Emirates.