ZURICH (Switzerland) – When we saw Isaac on the television in the press room Del Toro We were intrigued by the pressure on the pedals of his time trial bike. The Mexican's pedaling seemed extremely effective, but it was merely an illusion caused by the constant movements imposed on the frame. Even taking into account the rain that might have slowed him down, the effort of Del Toro gave birth to a twelfth place in the time trial dedicated to the during 23He didn't express himself at his best, but once he reached the mixed zone he smiled slyly. All eyes are on him for the category road test.: the young man of the UAE Team Emirates able to win at his own first race in the WorldTour.
«I have to say – he explains – that in the end it was a good test. With the rain there wasn't much more that could be doneI tried to push a bit on the descents, but I didn't give my all, just like on the climbs. I could only push hard on the flat and I'm happy with how my legs responded. Especially in the finale. I think it was a good effort in view of the road race."
Challenge at home
At 21 years old, the Mexican He has already lined up a victory at the highest level, the general classification of the Vuelta Asturias and the first major stage race: La Vuelta. Del Toro, every time he gets on his bike, he hits the asphalt and doesn't look around much. He will be the favorite at tomorrow's World Championship race, even if other interesting names emerge from the Emirati team, such as that of Antonio Morgado e Jan Christen.
«I didn't have a particular approach to this World Championship – he continues – I rested after the Vuelta. Three weeks like that gave me so much condition level, so I'm ready. What I feel a little more is the responsibility of racing in the national team jersey; it's an honor, but I'm relaxed. I am confident that I can do well in the road test, I just need to rest and sleep as best I can these days."
«There are many kids – he continues Del Toro – who can aim for the maximum result. It will be important to always be present and in the thick of the competitionIn the end, whoever stays most alert will win. Both Jan, Christen, and Morgado were very strong today. Being close to them gives me reassurance. Everyone wants to win, even me. Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don't, we'll see.».
How did this first year in the WorldTour go?
Well, I started off positively and I was strong towards the end of the season too. In the end, the result in cycling cannot always be victory.I'm happy though, I'm improving a lot and sometimes you can see that I'm really doing well. This gives me great peace of mind.
You've already won though, that's a good sign.
The first victories are always a good sign (he says with a smile, but without revealing himself, ed.).
Where do you think you can still improve?
I'd say I can improve a bit in everything, I'm an athlete who has a lot to develop and a lot still to do. I can say I'm happy with the my growth, I think it will continue in this directionNext year will be a key one for me. I want to take it slowly and do it as best as possible. I am fortunate to learn from great people and high-level athletes.
Compared to last year, do you feel like a different rider?
No. They are the same, but on a higher level. During 2024 I think I improved a lot, maybe it wasn't visible because I started off well straight awayBut for me, for the staff, and for the performance, I'm pretty comfortable because I'm growing and learning.
How is it going with the team?
They've always given me a lot of freedom to try, obviously it's not always the best day, but I'm at peace. I don't feel pressured, I enjoy myself and do things when I feel like doing them..
For the kind of rider you are, what does it mean to be next to Pogacar?
He was one of the best riders of the season, if not the best, and a great person. I learned a lot from him, he explained many things to me.I just want to be there, play a little, have fun, and joke around together. Then, if I can, I'll ride alongside him up the hill and be happy. Pogacar and I are friends, with the goal, when we are on the bike, to make the race as difficult as possible..
What's one thing you can think of that you learned from him?
Top secret.
To win?
Yup.
He leaves laughing, wondering if the Slovenian phenomenon explained to him how to try to win a world championship. So as to have two world champions on the team in 2025: one in each category.
