“Why can’t a Mexican win the Tour de France?” - Isaac del Toro unsure what his 2027 role will be as he discusses Tadej Pogacar
Cycling
Isaac del Toro knows his growth in international cycling is only just beginning. After a 2026 season full of experiences, lessons and new challenges, the Mexican looks ahead with ambition, but also with the calm that comes from knowing each step is part of a process. His development within UAE Team Emirates, life alongside some of the peloton’s biggest names and the support of Tadej Pogacar have all shaped his recent career.
The Mexican rider looks back positively on the year and believes everything he has experienced will help him keep improving. “I’m really happy, to be honest. I’m glad to have had all these experiences this year, and I’m satisfied because I know I can apply them in the future and keep getting a little better. Obviously, I’ll keep working hard,” he told Marca.
One of the biggest changes in his career has been gradually taking on more responsibility within UAE Team Emirates. Del Toro says the team backed his development from the outset, although it was unclear how long it would take him to make that step.
“It was something we tried to do from the moment I signed. We didn’t know how quickly or slowly it would happen, or whether it was possible in such a competitive team, where everyone is at an extremely high level,” he recalled.
The process began at the Tour Down Under, although the Mexican tried to put off leadership duties for as long as possible so he could keep learning. “I tried to delay taking the lead as long as I could, so I could learn and not just be a figurehead. After a year, I found my feet better and began to understand what kind of rider I am. I can handle quite a few situations, although I don’t know if I’m a specialist in anything.”
Josean Fernández Matxin, the team’s sporting manager, has also played an important role in that development. Del Toro praises his personal approach and his ability to look after riders beyond their results.
Isaac del Toro
Pogacar, an important source of support in his development
“He’s a lovely person who gives us room to be ourselves and treats us with the utmost respect. He pays close attention to every athlete’s mental well-being. He’s easy to work with, and it’s important to have someone with that human touch on the team,” he said. He also noted that Matxin’s support is not dependent on a rider’s nationality or career history.
Sharing a team with Tadej Pogacar gives the Mexican an opportunity to learn. Del Toro says it is special to have the backing of such a prominent rider, especially as the Slovenian has shown an interest in helping him develop as a cyclist.
“It’s flattering, but also quite something, that he might see something I don’t. He wants to be part of my journey and supports me whenever he can. It’s really special, and I feel very privileged,” he said.
The Mexican also spoke about Pogacar’s personality away from the cameras. He says much of the image the Slovenian projects in public reflects who he is in everyday life.
“He’s a very genuine and open person, which is why so many people connect with him. He’s very focused on being a good person and has different goals from what people might expect,” he explained with a laugh, before joking about how difficult it would be to keep the Slovenian champion humble.
As for the routes that might prove difficult for Pogacar, Del Toro sees little reason to doubt his ability. “If he wins wherever he wants to, I don’t think there’s a route that could catch Pogacar out,” he said.
His role for 2027 is still undecided
Looking ahead to 2027, the Mexican prefers to stay grounded and wait for UAE Team Emirates to finalise its plans. Whether he leads the team at the Giro d’Italia will depend on the collective strategy and the decisions made by the sporting staff.
“We’ll follow the team’s overall plan, whatever it is. Every team wants to win all three Grand Tours in the same year, so that’s nothing new. We’ll see what role I have in 2027 and try to do the best we can,” he said.
Del Toro does not want to get ahead of himself. His priority remains working hard, continuing to develop and making the most of every opportunity offered by one of the peloton’s most competitive teams.
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Representing Mexico, a responsibility he never forgets
His sporting progress has also brought greater public attention. Del Toro knows he has become a role model for many Mexican fans and recognises that this brings a responsibility that can sometimes be difficult to manage.
“Sometimes I’m just a normal person. We all have problems, and I forget about it for a moment. I might get lost in my own world for half an hour, but in the end I remember that a lot of people are watching me,” he explained.
The cyclist understands that his performances and behaviour have an impact beyond his results. That is why he tries to stay measured and remain aware of what he represents.
“I know there’s someone expecting something from me and trying to put me in the best possible position, so I see it as a responsibility,” he added.
Isaac del Toro, a star of world cycling
“I don’t think it’s impossible for a Mexican to win the Tour de France”
One statement captures Isaac del Toro’s ambition: his thoughts on the possibility of a Mexican rider winning the Tour de France one day.
He does not consider nationality an obstacle to achieving that goal. He recognises how difficult it is to win the biggest race on the calendar, but argues that Mexican athletes have the same ability and opportunity to try.
“Why not? If others have won it, why shouldn’t a Mexican? We have two legs, two arms and a head… I don’t think it’s a distant or impossible dream. It’s difficult, but I see exactly the same chances as everyone else,” he said.
His own career gives him reason to look ahead with confidence. After claiming his first stage win in Barcelona and finishing on the Giro d’Italia podium, he knows he can compete at the highest level.
“I won my first stage in Barcelona, finished on the Giro podium and know I can compete. More athletes will come through over the years. I don’t mean just me; as Mexicans, we can absolutely do it,” he concluded.
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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- 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
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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