ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Isaac Del Toro cemented his status as a rising star in professional cycling, securing overall victory at the UAE Tour on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The 22-year-old Mexican rider finished the final stage safely, defending his lead and claiming his first WorldTour stage race title. The win is particularly significant as it follows Tadej Pogačar’s championship in 2025, signaling a potential changing of the guard in the Emirates.
Del Toro’s triumph wasn’t just about the final result; it was a demonstration of resilience and growth, according to UAE Team Emirates-XRG team principal and CEO, Mauro Gianetti. Gianetti described Del Toro as a “visionary,” highlighting his ability to learn from setbacks and consistently perform at a high level. This victory underscores a remarkable trajectory for the young cyclist, who has quickly become a key leader for his team.
The final stage, a 147km run from Zayed National Museum to Abu Dhabi Breakwater, was won by Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek in a bunch sprint, finishing ahead of Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers), but the day belonged to Del Toro. He finished the tour 20 seconds ahead of Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious), with Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) completing the podium, 1 minute and 14 seconds behind the overall winner. The win marks a significant milestone in Del Toro’s career.
Gianetti emphasized Del Toro’s maturity and commitment, noting his humble approach and dedication to continuous improvement. “He is committed. He has a big heart, and he’s very humble. He prefers to ask two or three times to be sure what he’s doing, to not make a mistake and to be very concentrated on his job,” Gianetti said. This dedication is particularly impressive considering Del Toro left Mexico at the age of 15 or 16 to pursue his cycling ambitions in Europe.
Del Toro’s race-winning attack on Stage 6 atop Jebel Hafeet was a defining moment, showcasing his climbing prowess and strategic acumen. The stage win not only propelled him into the overall lead but likewise demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
From Promising Talent to WorldTour Champion
Del Toro’s ascent has been rapid. He first gained prominence with a victory at the Tour de l’Avenir in 2023, a feat previously achieved by Pogačar in 2018. He then secured a WorldTour win at the Tour Down Under in January 2025, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2025, he finished third in the world rankings and nearly won the Giro d’Italia on his debut, demonstrating his potential for Grand Tour success.
Gianetti drew parallels between Del Toro and Pogačar, noting that both riders quickly transitioned to success at the professional level. “We knew the big numbers were there, so it was only going to be a question of time with Isaac, a little bit like Tadej,” he explained. He also credited the strong support system within UAE Team Emirates-XRG, including teammates, trainers, and nutritionists, for facilitating Del Toro’s rapid development.
Looking Ahead: A Future Alongside Pogačar
The departure of Juan Ayuso to the Algarve earlier in the year has further solidified Del Toro’s position as a key figure within the team, potentially even beyond Pogačar’s career. Del Toro himself expressed his joy at the victory, stating, “I will remember this race forever.” He is now setting his sights on upcoming races, including Strade Bianche and a series of Italian events, culminating in his first Tour de France in July, where he will race alongside Pogačar.
The prospect of Del Toro and Pogačar competing together in Italy and at the Tour de France is an ominous one for their rivals. Gianetti believes that Del Toro’s commitment and perform ethic, combined with the team’s resources, will continue to drive his progress. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG appears to have successfully cultivated another potential Grand Tour contender, and the cycling world will be watching closely to spot what Del Toro accomplishes next.
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