Early Beginnings and Coaching Influence
Isaac del Toro, a Mexican cyclist, embarked on his journey from Ensenada to Rome, where he will present himself to the elite of Grand Tours. UAE Team Emirates proved to be the ideal team to unleash his potential, which he didn’t fully tap into until after turning 21.
At just 15, Isaac had already trained under four different coaches and was giving his first interviews. He credits his parents and uncles for introducing him to cycling from a young age, starting with Coach ‘Chompiras’ and later working with Coaches Güerito Álvarez, Freddy Cruz (Alfredo Cruz), and finally Nelson.
“My parents and uncles were into cycling, and they passed on their passion to me since I was a child. My first coach was ‘Chompiras,’ and later, I trained with Güerito Álvarez, Freddy Cruz, and Nelson,” Isaac shared with Cycling Passion.
Maturity and Success in Ensenada
Even as a teenager, Isaac displayed remarkable maturity in understanding the demands of his sport. He explained to El Economista, “My father trusts me while he’s away, knowing I’ve put in the work. He understands that there will be good and bad days, but hopes for a good race day.”
Isaac’s cycling career began in Ensenada, where he won local municipal races and events like the Baja Epic and the Campeche Championship. He excelled in road and mountain biking disciplines, though he acknowledged that road cycling requires more hours and precision.
Rise to Prominence
Isaac’s victory in the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir, organized by the same company that runs the Tour de France (ASO), catapulted him onto the cycling scene. He represented A.R. Monex Pro Cycling Team, which nurtured his talent in Europe for four years.
Now competing with UAE Team Emirates, Isaac has shed the “prodigy” label and proven himself as Mexico and Latin America’s revelation, maintaining leadership for two weeks in the Giro d’Italia.
Support and Recognition
Raúl Alcalá, the first Mexican to participate in a Grand Tour and a stage winner in the Tour de France, praised Isaac’s talent: “Isaac had to go to Europe; he’s on a different level, beyond our expectations as Mexicans. His performance and results have surpassed our hopes, and now he’s in one of the best teams. We eagerly await his brilliance.”
Isaac’s debut in the 2025 Giro d’Italia altered Team Emirates’ initial plans. Although Juan Ayuso was designated as their strongman, he withdrew in stage 18 due to knee pain and a bee sting near his eye, causing facial inflammation.
Manager and Team
Álex Carera, founder of A&J Allsports—the world’s leading cyclist representation agency, which includes Vincenzo Nibali and Tadej Pogacar among its clients—manages Isaac. He spoke highly of UAE Team Emirates:
“UAE Team Emirates is the perfect team for any rider, offering top-notch conditions, logistics, medical support, and interdisciplinary approach. It’s the best team for Isaac, and while he might have shone elsewhere, his current success is a testament to the team’s strength.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Isaac del Toro? Isaac del Toro is a Mexican professional cyclist who has risen to prominence in the sport, particularly after winning the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir and showcasing strong performances in the Giro d’Italia.
- What is his background in cycling? Isaac started cycling at a young age, influenced by his family’s involvement in the sport. He trained under various coaches and quickly progressed, winning local races in Ensenada.
- Why is UAE Team Emirates the right fit for him? According to his manager, Álex Carera, UAE Team Emirates offers unparalleled conditions, logistics, and support, making it the ideal team for Isaac’s development.
- What are his achievements so far? Isaac has won the Tour de l’Avenir 2023 and demonstrated strong leadership in the Giro d’Italia, establishing himself as a rising star in professional cycling.
