"We’ll miss having him there" - Isaac del Toro hoped Tadej Pogacar company at World Championships

Cycling
Saturday, 26 September 2026 at 16:00
Tadej Pogacar and Isaac del Toro at the 2026 Tour de France
Isaac del Toro is one of the main favourites to win the 2026 World Championships. Both in the Grand Tours and in this very race, he has shown the legs to win big, but that hasn't yet landed. In a race that is expected to be chaotic, the Mexican rider could succeed Tadej Pogacar in bringing the rainbow jersey to UAE Team Emirates - XRG.
Del Toro, 22, has had a very ambitious calendar and a very successful year. Overall wins at Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour Auvergne - Rhône Alpes have provided him with extensive experience and prestige at the very highest level; whilst at the Tour de France he finished on the podium, won a stage and the youth classification.
The Tour's success was widely influenced by Tadej Pogacar, who didn't request domestique duties from the youngster, and even helped him achieve his goals. “It’s always great when the best rider in the world takes part in a race. We’ll miss having him there," Del Toro said ahead of the race, regarding his teammate.
In Kigali, Del Toro bridged across to Pogacar and Juan Ayuso 12 months ago. On the Mur de Kigali itself, his acceleration saw Ayuso get dropped, whilst the duo continued carving a gap over their chasers. Del Toro on that day didn't have the necessary endurance to finish on the podium, but was nevertheless seventh on the day. Finding himself with the Slovenian was a desired scenario.
Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Tour de France
Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Tour de France

Mexico racing against the tide 

That is mostly because when the race, with 273 kilometers in distance, enters its decisive phase, Mexico won't have the means to support him as he does at UAE Team Emirates - XRG. Rival teams will have plenty cards to take on the explosive race.
“If I’m feeling good, I’ll try to steer the race in a direction that works to my advantage. Am I the favorite? It’s always nice to be at the top of the list, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night".
“We don’t have the strongest squad so we’ll have to race smartly. Do we have a plan? Yes, we do, and I could even tell you what it is, though we might change it..."

Del Toro feeling the warmth of the fans

But Del Toro is aiming high, and after winning the GP de Montréal, there are good reasons to consider him as a big favourite - and a potential winner for this Sunday's road race.
"In any case, I know a huge number of people are making the trip from Mexico to support us. They make me feel privileged. I don’t think of myself as anyone special, but all these people make me feel that way," he concluded.
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