Isaac del Toro spoke to the media during the UAE Team Emirates XRG press conference, where he outlined his schedule for the season, his upcoming Tour de France debut alongside Tadej Pogacar, the lessons learned from his near-victory at the Giro d’Italia, and how he envisions his long-term development as a rider.
You’ll be racing the Tour de France this year. Can you tell us about your program and how that decision was made?
As a Grand Tour, yes. In general, I’ll start with the UAE Tour, then Milano-Turin, then the Itzulia Basque Country, and then I’ll do the Tour de France. That’s the beginning.
go to the Tour with Tadej, to learn from him?
Yes. The idea is that,
Was it your decision to being with him all the time, it’s part of the job to learn as quickly as possible. I’m trying to better understand the race and learn how these events work for the future. I think it’s good for me.
Do you see yourself in his position someday, perhaps in three or four years?
Hopefully, yes. Like many riders, I want to try. But there’s no rush or pressure. Of course, I want to improve someday and reach that level.
Who do you see as your biggest rivals, within the team or on other teams?
There are many riders. I won’t mention names because I’m sure I’d forget someone. There are many strong cyclists, and I just need to stay focused and always try to give my best.
It will be your first Tour de France. What is your goal there?
To enjoy the race and see how it goes in the end. I’ve already done the Vuelta once, and I think it’s also good to experience the Tour. It’s good to be there.
Will there be races where you can pursue your own ambitions, or will most of the calendar be supporting others?
It’s part of the process. Not the entire program is with Tadej. Some races will be to look for opportunities and try to reach a different level this year. We’ll see how things go, and I’m excited.
Are there any races you already know will be for you?
It depends on the situation and how I can handle things. I’ll be racing with UAE and also with other leaders, and it will be interesting throughout the year.
Many people believe you could have won the Giro. Do you agree, and what did you learn from that race?
It’s something I learned quickly after that race. I tried to manage the Giro as best as I could. In the second half of the season, I tried to correct many problems I had during the Giro and to believe in myself more. In the end, it worked, so let’s see if I can repeat it. The Giro was special for many reasons.
Were there mistakes that prevented you from winning the race?
Yes.
Can you explain how the decision was made for you to race the Tour de France? Was it something Tadej wanted?
Perhaps so, you’d have to ask him. For my part, I always want to be there. As a child, it was a dream, and now it’s part of the plan. I want to be with the best and be at that level. It’s something I’ve always wanted.
Do you plan to specialize in stage races or one-day races, or do you want to continue doing both?
Every rider is different, and personality matters. I’m just trying to enjoy it. I didn’t expect to be competitive in classics like this and also in a Grand Tour so soon. I had other ambitions before, but now I can aspire to others. I’m excited.
And do you already know which one you like more?
Of course I know, but maybe I won’t say.
You won the Mexican national title last year. What does it mean to go to the Tour de France wearing that jersey?
It’s really special. I don’t know if it’s ever happened before. It was a goal I had as a child, and now carrying the flag is incredible. It’s something I’m very proud of.
Can you tell us about your beginnings in cycling?
I did other sports before. Cycling was the last. In my family, on both sides, there was cycling: downhill, road, and mountain biking. My brother and I decided to do it. When you have an older brother and you’re competitive, you always want to be better. I took advantage of many opportunities, and day by day, cycling changed my life.
What sports did you play before cycling?
Soccer, swimming, lots of different things. Maybe too many, and then I ended up with cycling.
You said you made mistakes in the last stage of the Giro. What were those mistakes?
I forgot I was at the front that night and I was messing around with the other riders.
Who was responsible for that?
Me.
How big is the Tour de France in Mexico as an event?
Now it’s as important as the Giro. People know about it more. It’s the biggest event in cycling, and I’m very excited to be there.
Do you feel like you’re the next cycling superstar?
No.
Why not?
A lot of people think so. I’m too humble.
Where do you think you can still improve the most?
Maybe in endurance. I don’t train it much, so it’s something I can start working on.