UPDATE: Major blow for Isaac del Toro as UAE confirm muscle tear after Itzulia Basque Country crash

Isaac del Toro’s Itzulia Basque Country 2026 has come to an abrupt end after the Mexican rider was forced to abandon following a crash during Stage 3.

The UAE Team Emirates XRG leader had already found himself under pressure after losing significant time in the opening two stages, but the third day around Basauri offered a realistic opportunity to reset his race, either through the breakaway or by stabilising his position in the general classification. Instead, his race ended prematurely, dealing a setback not only to his Itzulia ambitions but potentially to his wider spring campaign.

Del Toro had been expected to play a key role for UAE Team Emirates - XRG in the Ardennes Classics, with a leadership position lined up for both Amstel Gold Race and La Fleche Wallonne, before shifting into a support role for Tadej Pogacar at Liege Bastogne Liege. With his withdrawal in the Basque Country coming after a crash, attention now turns to his condition and whether the incident will impact those plans.

The timing is far from ideal. Itzulia often serves as a final competitive block ahead of the Ardennes, particularly for riders targeting punchy one-day races, and Del Toro now loses that opportunity to build form through racing.

The abandonment follows a challenging opening to the race for Del Toro, who had already ceded time to Paul Seixas in both the opening time trial and the decisive moves on Stage 2.

Stage 3 had presented a different type of profile, one more suited to aggressive racing and breakaway opportunities, but that chance disappeared with his crash and subsequent withdrawal.

With no immediate update yet on the severity of the incident, the focus now shifts to recovery and whether he can return in time to meet his planned targets in the coming weeks.

That picture is now clearer following an update from UAE Team Emirates - XRG.

Team medical director Dr. Adrian Rotunno confirmed: “Unfortunately, Isaac del Toro suffered a crash on stage 3 of Itzulia Basque Country and was forced to withdraw,” reveals UAE in a statement. “He has a right thigh muscle tear and several related abrasions. He will undergo further examination as a precaution under the supervision of the team medical staff.”

The confirmation of a muscle tear represents a significant setback at this stage of the season, placing immediate doubt over his participation in the upcoming Ardennes Classics and shifting the focus firmly onto recovery in the days ahead.