Background on Isaac Del Toro
Isaac Del Toro, known affectionately as ‘Torito,’ has become a household name in the cycling world. At only 19 years old, he has already achieved remarkable success, including winning the Tour de l’Avenir in 2023. Despite facing a challenging period with a femur fracture just a year prior, Del Toro’s determination and resilience shone through.
Del Toro’s Historic Achievement
On May 18, Del Toro etched his name in cycling history by becoming the first Mexican to wear the Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey) in the Giro d’Italia. This prestigious race, now in its 116th edition, has never before seen a Mexican cyclist lead the competition.
The Ninth Stage and Del Toro’s Rise to Leadership
The ninth stage, a grueling 181-kilometer route from Gubbio to Siena, featured 30 kilometers of gravel roads. Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) emerged victorious in the stage sprint at Siena’s iconic Piazza del Campo. Meanwhile, Del Toro’s performance was nothing short of exceptional; he finished second but gained enough time to take the overall lead.
- Del Toro’s time advantage over his competitors: 1 minute and 13 seconds
- His teammate Juan Ayuso is currently second in the general classification
- Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) is third, 1 minute and 30 seconds behind Del Toro
Del Toro’s Emotional Reaction
“I can’t believe it,” Del Toro said, overwhelmed by the experience. “I was in front and managed to avoid a crash. It was quite chaotic, but I ended up ahead with Egan Bernal. I still can’t fully grasp the reality of this moment.”
Van Aert’s Apology and Praise for Del Toro
Wout van Aert, who finished just behind Del Toro in the stage, expressed regret for not working with him during the final kilometers. “Isaac rode an incredible race,” Van Aert said. “I felt a bit bad for not helping him more, as he’s also a competitor for my teammate Simon Yates. I had to let him work for Antonio Tiberi.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Isaac Del Toro? A 19-year-old Mexican cyclist who recently won the Tour de l’Avenir and now leads the Giro d’Italia.
- What is the significance of Del Toro’s achievement? He is the first Mexican cyclist to wear the Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey) in the Giro d’Italia, a historic moment for Mexican cycling.
- What happened in the ninth stage of the Giro d’Italia? Wout van Aert won the stage, while Del Toro finished second but gained enough time to take the overall lead.
- How did Van Aert react to Del Toro’s success? He expressed regret for not helping Del Toro during the final kilometers, praising his teammate’s exceptional performance.
