The strategy seems clear. All of them want to gauge how much freedom Isaac del Toro will have at the next Tours de France. On debut, it makes sense that he accepts working for Pogacar, but the picture could change in the coming years if he keeps proving he can fight for Grand Tours.
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The main argument these teams can use to try to convince Del Toro also seems obvious. As long as Tadej Pogacar, still only 27, remains at UAE Team Emirates XRG, it will be almost impossible for another rider to enjoy undisputed leadership at the Tour de France.
The big problem with sharing a team with Pogacar
And that poses a major dilemma for a rider like Isaac del Toro. The Mexican is no longer just a prospect; he has become a genuine star of the peloton. In fact, his level throughout the season even suggests he is already, on performance, the team’s second-best rider, ahead of João Almeida.
For now there is no indication of an imminent exit from the Emirati squad, but the interest of several major teams shows the market is beginning to move around one of the most sought-after riders of the moment.
It is no coincidence that Isaac del Toro has drawn so much attention. His season has been, quite simply, spectacular. The Mexican has won three WorldTour stage races, starting with the UAE Tour, where he also took victories on stages 1 and 6.
Isaac del Toro, a star of world cycling
He then underlined his class by winning Tirreno–Adriatico, adding the win on stage 6. His definitive confirmation came just a few weeks ago at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, where he beat several top Tour de France contenders, including Paul Seixas and Juan Ayuso, while also taking stages 7 and 8.
Beyond his wins, Del Toro has also been decisive as Pogacar’s domestique. He finished third at Strade Bianche while working for the Slovenian’s victory, and played a key role in the historic attack on the Cipressa that enabled Pogacar to take his first Milano–Sanremo. Although he crossed the line that day in 110th, his work was crucial to his leader’s success.
Isaac del Toro’s standout results in 2026RaceResultUAE Tour 20261st overall + stage wins on 1 and 6Tirreno–Adriatico 20261st overall + stage win on 6Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes 20261st overall + stage wins on 7 and 8Strade Bianche 20263rd (working for Tadej Pogacar’s victory)Milano–Sanremo 2026110th (key domestique for Pogacar on the Cipressa attack)