At just 21, Del Toro has accelerated faster than almost any young rider in the modern era. His consistency across stage races, composed climbing style, and fearless racing in Italy turned him from promising talent to Grand Tour podium finisher in only his second Grand Tour start — and his first targeting the general classification. That campaign helped propel him into the top three in the UCI rankings by the season’s autumn climax.
Equally impressive was the way he handled expectation. With UAE Team Emirates – XRG placing long-term trust in his development, Del Toro showed maturity beyond his age while still riding with freedom and aggression. As fans have made clear with this vote, the sport believes he is only just getting started.Behind him, Matthew Brennan took second place in the poll with 7% (154 votes), reflecting his own standout debut campaign — including stage victories and an overall win at the Tour of Norway. Florian Lipowitz rounded out the top three with 4% (94 votes), recognition of the German climber’s Tour de France podium and white jersey triumph.
Del Toro’s emergence has shifted the WorldTour’s balance of power. With proven durability across three weeks, elite climbing, and a calm race temperament, he enters 2026 not just as one to watch — but as a genuine Grand Tour contender in a cycling landscape defined by Pogacar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel.
If 2025 was the year he announced himself, next season will test just how high his ceiling really is.
For now, fans have spoken. The breakthrough rider of the season is emphatically Isaac del Toro.