Del Toro Claims Gran Piemonte Title, Challenging Pogačar’s Reign
California, a rising star in professional cycling, clinched a decisive victory in the Gran Piemonte race on Saturday, marking his 17th win of the 2025 season. Last year’s champion, Neilson powless of EF Education-EasyPost, finished seventh.
tactical Mastery and Team Support
“When you become intimately familiar with a climb, it unlocks your ability to strategize effectively,” explained Del Toro in a post-race interview. “It presented a meaningful challenge, but the unwavering support and confidence from my teammates empowered me to give my all from the start.”
A Season of Remarkable Success
The 21-year-old cyclist is experiencing a phenomenal late-season run, surpassed only by UAE Emirates-XRG’s Tadej Pogačar in terms of race wins. Since returning from the Giro d’Italia, where he achieved a second-place finish, Del Toro has secured 13 victories, bringing his total for the 2025 season to 15 wins – tying him with Tim Merlier for the most wins this year.
Pogačar currently leads the standings with 19 wins.
Both Del Toro and Pogačar are expected to be major contenders at Il lombardia on saturday, perhaps battling for the top two spots on the podium.
Looking Ahead to Il Lombardia
“This year has exceeded our expectations, both for the team and for me personally,” Del Toro stated. “There’s inherent pressure to maintain professionalism, but this year has been exceptionally rewarding. It’s truly incredible – almost incredible.”
Dubbed “El Torito” – the little bull – Del toro has injected fresh energy into the 2025 racing season and is quickly establishing himself as a formidable challenger to the established grand tour champions.
All eyes will be on Del toro to see if he can maintain this momentum in the 2026 season, building on his remarkable breakout year.
| Rider | Team | Wins (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogačar | UAE Emirates-XRG | 19 |
| del Toro | [Team Name Not Provided] | 15 |
| Tim Merlier | [Team Name Not Provided] | 15 |
| Neilson Powless | EF Education-EasyPost | [Wins Not Provided] |
The Rise of Young Cycling Stars
The influx of young talent, such as Del Toro, is revitalizing professional cycling.These athletes often bring a fresh perspective,aggressive racing style,and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Cycling Weekly’s recent report on rising stars highlights several other promising riders to watch, signaling a dynamic future for the sport. The increased focus on training methodologies and nutritional science is also contributing to the accelerated growth of these young cyclists.
Did You Know? the average age of Grand Tour contenders has decreased over the past decade, with more riders achieving peak performance at a younger age.
Frequently Asked Questions About Del Toro
Who is Del Toro?
Del Toro is a 21-year-old professional cyclist currently making waves in the 2025 racing season with 17 victories, including the Gran Piemonte title.
How many wins does del Toro have in 2025?
Del Toro has secured 17 wins in the 2025 season as of the Gran Piemonte race, tied with Tim Merlier for second most wins this year.
Who is currently leading the most wins in 2025?
Tadej Pogačar currently leads with 19 wins.
What is Del Toro’s nickname?
Del Toro is known as “El Torito,” which translates to “the little bull.”
What is Del Toro’s next major race?
Del Toro is scheduled to compete in Il Lombardia on Saturday, where he is expected to challenge Tadej Pogačar for the title.
What do you think about Del Toro’s impressive performance this season? Do you believe he has what it takes to dethrone Pogačar?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!