Abu Dhabi – The UAE Tour has become synonymous with Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian superstar having claimed three of the seven editions thus far. But this year’s race is unfolding a novel narrative, one centered around the electrifying performance of 22-year-old Isaac del Toro. With Pogačar absent, the Mexican rider seized control of the general classification with a stunning stage 6 victory on Jebel Hafeet, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of professional cycling.
Del Toro’s ascent wasn’t merely a win; it was a statement. He shattered the previous climbing record on the 10.8km climb, posting a time of 25:15, eclipsing Adam Yates’ previous best of 25:53, set in 2020. This performance wasn’t a solo effort, however, as Yates himself played a crucial role in setting the pace before Del Toro unleashed his decisive attack. The victory marks Del Toro’s first WorldTour-level stage race win, and it’s arrived with a confidence that suggests it won’t be his last.
The stage unfolded with Del Toro initially shadowing Antonio Tiberi’s attacks before launching his own, ultimately proving too strong for the Italian. “I saw him by his shadow during the whole attack in the beginning, and then I decided that it was a little bit early, because then the next corner will be headwind,” Del Toro explained to Cyclingnews after the stage. “I just tried to take as much confidence as I could when Plapp was coming and then tried again before Felix [Gall], and Antonio [Tiberi] could take a breath and try to change the situation of the race.”
Comparisons to Pogačar are inevitable, not just in terms of their aggressive riding style, but also their versatility. Del Toro has demonstrated the ability to excel in both stage races and one-day events, possessing a potent combination of climbing prowess and explosive power. His performance on Jebel Hafeet evoked the same relentless attacks that have become Pogačar’s trademark, leaving Tiberi struggling in his wake.
Del Toro’s Record-Breaking Climb and GC Implications
Del Toro’s record-breaking climb on Jebel Hafeet wasn’t just about speed; it was about dominance. He left Tiberi, who had previously held a comfortable lead in the general classification, visibly grimacing as he attempted to respond. Tiberi ultimately finished fourth on the stage but remains second benefiting from his earlier stage 3 victory. Remco Evenepoel, initially considered a key contender, has fallen significantly behind, trailing Del Toro by 2 minutes and 25 seconds after a challenging stage 6.
Interestingly, Del Toro downplayed the significance of his performance, stating, “I will say no,” when asked if it was one of his best career climbs. When pressed about whether it compared to his second-place finish at the Giro d’Italia, he responded, “No, honestly, it comes on strange days, not even when I want.” This understated assessment speaks to a remarkable maturity and a focus on continuous improvement.
A Rising Star and Future Potential
At just 22 years old, Del Toro’s potential appears limitless. His victory at the Tour de l’Avenir and his first WorldTour stage win demonstrate a trajectory pointing towards the upper echelons of professional cycling. Even as he is currently slated to support Pogačar in his pursuit of a fifth Tour de France title, Del Toro’s performance at the UAE Tour suggests he is rapidly developing into a grand tour contender in his own right.
Del Toro emphasized the importance of self-belief in his success, stating, “I think today is one of the top 3 victories in my career. It’s so special. Now it’s time to realise that I’m working for it, and I need to believe in myself more day by day.” He also revealed the surprisingly simple advice he received from Pogačar before the race: “No, it was not this kind of advice [for how to tackle the climb]. He just told me to enjoy this, not put a lot of pressure on myself, and of course, try it, but never gaze back. He said to just provide it my all, and that if I was empty in the legs, I need to be proud and happy with the effort that we did as a team.”
With one final stage remaining – a sprint stage in Abu Dhabi – Del Toro is poised to secure his first WorldTour stage race victory. Beyond the UAE Tour, his focus will shift to supporting Pogačar at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo. However, the cycling world is now keenly aware of Isaac del Toro, a rider who is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The emergence of Del Toro adds another layer of excitement to the 2026 cycling season. His performance at the UAE Tour is a clear indication that he is a rider to watch, and his future trajectory promises to be filled with compelling races and potential victories. What comes next for this young star will undoubtedly be closely followed by fans and rivals alike.
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