UAE Team Emirates - XRG take stand on Isaac del Toro's Vuelta a Espana participation

Although he did not go as the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader, Isaac del Toro became the big star of the UAE team at the Giro d'Italia. During the 3-week race, the Mexican proved to be stronger than the two favourites in the lineup, Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates.

In fact, only a bad strategy on stage 20, the Colle delle Finistre, prevented Del Toro from winning the first grand tour of his career. Simon Yates snatched the maglia rosa from him, to give Visma the overall classification. But despite the result, a star was born.

It is a mark of just how impressive a performance it was from the young Mexican, that we are still disappointed by the fact he was 'only' second. But, will we see him at another grand tour this year?

Isaac del Toro was already aiming high, but what he achieved in the Giro at just 21 years old is something most cyclist's can only dream of. For that reason, it's not surprising that fans are eager to see the Mexican compete in a grand tour again. But, unfortunately, that will NOT be at the Vuelta a España 2025, according to Mundo Deportivo.

It seems that UAE Team Emirates - XRG continues to pave the way for Tadej Pogacar, who may want to complete his set of grand tours this year. Right now, the only race on Isaac del Toro's calendar is the Tour of Austria, which will be held from July 7.

Without Juan Ayuso or Isaac del Toro in the next Vuelta a España, everything points to Pogacar going for glory in the red jersey after the Tour. Can he pull of a Tour-Vuelta double in 2025?

Last year, Joao Almeida already served as Pogacar's domestqiue in the Tour, but he is already performing at a higher level in 2025. The Portuguese rider has won Itzulia and Tour de Romandie so far this year, and is a favourite to win the next Tour de Suisse as well. Overall, if Pogacar does not race the Vuelta, it is likely that Almeida will be given the chance to lead.

To avoid problems, UAE does not want to burden Tadej Pogacar with too many star team members. Remember, Jonas Vingegaard may also be racing at the Vuelta a Espana this year, meaning we get two chapters in the Pogacar-Vingegaard rivalry this summer.