Isaac del Toro Set for Tour de France Debut as Key Ally to Tadej Pogacar’s Historic Bid

Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro will make his Tour de France debut in 2026. The 22-year-old rising star joins the UAE Team Emirates squad as a key support rider. His primary role will be to aid team leader Tadej Pogacar.

Pogacar is chasing a historic fifth Tour de France victory. This achievement would place him among the sport’s absolute legends. Del Toro’s inclusion signals a major step in his rapid career ascent.

Del Toro’s Meteoric Rise to the Grand Tour Stage

Isaac del Toro’s journey to the Tour has been remarkably fast. He turned professional just two years ago. His performance in the 2025 Giro d’Italia was a breakthrough moment.

Starting the Giro as a support rider, Del Toro exceeded all expectations. He finished the race in second place overall. This result, alongside 18 season victories, forced the team to reconsider his role.

According to sports reports, his adaptation to the World Tour has been seamless. Team management sees immense potential in the young Mexican. His 2025 season cemented his status as a future general classification contender.

Pogacar’s Quest for a Fifth Title and Strategic Alliance

Tadej Pogacar enters the 2026 Tour de France with a clear goal. Winning a fifth yellow jersey is his sole objective. Only four riders in history have ever achieved this feat.

The Slovenian champion has openly praised his new teammate. Pogacar stated he hopes Del Toro will follow his example and perhaps even surpass it one day. He has expressed admiration for Del Toro’s cycling style and character.

For Del Toro, this is a strategic learning opportunity. He has acknowledged that not all his season will be dedicated to supporting Pogacar. He will have leadership chances in other races, like the UAE Tour in February.

The pair were recently seen training together at a camp in Spain. This pre-season work is crucial for building synergy. The team believes Del Toro’s power and climbing ability make him an ideal lieutenant for the mountain stages.

The 2026 Tour de France will mark a pivotal chapter for both riders. For Pogacar, it is a chance to cement an immortal legacy. For Del Toro, it is the ultimate classroom on cycling’s biggest stage, launching his own promising future in the sport’s most prestigious event.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Has Isaac del Toro raced in the Tour de France before?

No, the 2026 edition will be his debut in the Tour de France. He previously raced in the Giro d’Italia, where he finished second overall in 2025.

Q2: How many Tour de France titles has Tadej Pogacar won?

Tadej Pogacar has won the Tour de France four times. He is aiming for a historic fifth title in 2026, which would tie him with the record holders.

Q3: What team do Del Toro and Pogacar ride for?

Both cyclists ride for UAE Team Emirates. It is currently one of the most powerful squads in professional cycling’s World Tour.

Q4: What was Isaac del Toro’s biggest result in 2025?

His biggest result was finishing as runner-up in the 2025 Giro d’Italia. He also won 18 races and two Mexican national titles that season.

Q5: Why is Del Toro’s role in the Tour considered a learning opportunity?

Riding alongside a champion like Pogacar in the demanding Tour environment provides invaluable experience. Del Toro has stated his goal is to learn everything he can from Pogacar for his own future development.

Q6: Who are the cyclists with five Tour de France wins?

The riders with five Tour victories are Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. Pogacar seeks to join this exclusive group.