Isaac del Toro enjoyed another stint in the maglia rosa at the Giro d’Italia, picking up additional bonus seconds during the Red Bull Kilometre and continuing to dismiss any talk of tension or rivalry with his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate, Juan Ayuso. The 21-year-old Mexican, though beginning to feel the effects of 12 demanding days of racing, is still performing impressively and approaching each stage with youthful enthusiasm.
During the stage to Viadana, when the trio in the breakaway was nearly caught after 140km, Del Toro and his UAE squad ensured they were well-positioned. He ended up sprinting against Kim Heiduk (Ineos Grenadiers), despite his own admission: “I’m no sprinter.”
“I actually thought the breakaway would take the bonus seconds, but with the wind and all the nervous energy in the peloton, everything came back together. I managed to grab some more seconds, and I’m really happy with that,” he explained.
Del Toro now holds a 33-second lead over Ayuso. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) sits in third at 1:09, followed by Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike) at 1:11, and Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) at 1:26. UAE Team Emirates-XRG appears committed to defending Del Toro’s lead and capitalizing on bonus seconds as a strategic move.
“The time bonuses are a numbers game,” said team sports manager Joxean Matxin. “It’s better we take them than let our rivals have them. We’re not aiming for breakaways or attacks right now, but if there’s a chance to collect time, we’ll take it. Ineos and Van Aert are doing the same, so why not us?”
It’s been 25 years since a 21-year-old has worn the maglia rosa for four consecutive stages, but Del Toro continues to downplay his leadership status and long-term ambitions, despite his historic performance.
Asked about his goals for the Giro, Del Toro responded playfully: “First, I just want a big dinner…” As for fears, he admitted: “I just don’t want to crash. I want to finish the Giro safely.”
He’s been in touch with team leader Tadej Pogačar, but brushed aside any comparisons. “I’m not Tadej. I’ve got a smaller engine, so I’m definitely starting to feel the fatigue,” he said.
Del Toro opened up a bit more when asked about the team dynamic and any rivalry with Ayuso. “They’re the leaders; I’m just in a different role. The gravel stage at Siena changed things and gave me this jersey.”
“Of course, everyone dreams of winning the Giro one day. But the relationship within the team is good we’ve helped each other before, and we’ll keep doing that. This isn’t about ego. The race put me in this position, and we’ll use it for the team’s benefit. We’re all happy there’s no issue.”
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