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.
What is UAE's plan?
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.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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