Rising Star Isaac del Toro Reflects on the Giro d’Italia Heartbreak

In the world of cycling, young talents often shine brighter than seasoned pros, and 21-year-old Isaac del Toro from Mexico is a prime example. This rising star recently opened up about his near-win at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, a race that left fans on the edge of their seats and showcased his incredible potential.

A Season to Remember

Isaac del Toro has had a stunning year in cycling. After his breakthrough as a professional cyclist, he celebrated a total of 16 wins in the 2025 season, including time trial and road race titles at the Mexican National championships this October. However, the crowning moment almost came during the Giro, where he claimed second place, had a memorable stage win, and sported the Best Young Rider’s jersey.

But the excitement of victory turned sour when he lost the coveted maglia rosa (pink jersey) to Simon Yates on the penultimate day of the race. The dramatic twist unfolded on Colle delle Finistre, a steep and rugged climb that tested the mettle of every cyclist.

The Key Turning Point

Del Toro was riding high, leading the Giro until a crucial moment altered the trajectory of his race. When Yates made a daring attack, Del Toro found himself stuck. He hesitated to work together with his rival Richard Carapaz, which ultimately left him trailing. As Yates surged ahead, del Toro lost over five minutes, causing chills to run down the spine of his supporters.

Reflecting on that day, Del Toro admitted, “I made mistakes due to inexperience.” He knew the pressure was on, especially while keeping an eye on both Yates and Carapaz, but in the end, he forgot that Wout van Aert—Yates’ teammate—was also in the race, creating a huge advantage for Yates.

Learning From the Experience

In an emotional interview with GCN Español, Del Toro analyzed the situation with honesty. He recognized that competing at such a high level involved more than just stamina; it required smart thinking under pressure. “I thought I could play it intelligently,” he said, “but it turned out that not only was Simon ahead, but Van Aert was ahead too.”

His words reveal the importance of teamwork and sharp mental strategy in cycling. Racing is not just about being fast; it’s also about knowing when to take action and when to lean on teammates for support.

Final Thoughts

As Isaac del Toro gears up for what’s next, his journey serves as a vital lesson for all cyclists—whether beginners or veterans. Mistakes happen, but the best racers learn from them. He showed that even when the pathway seems steep and full of obstacles, the spirit of perseverance can often lead to even greater victories down the road.

Del Toro’s story is motivating. Losing the lead doesn’t diminish his achievements; instead, it sets the stage for future triumphs. As he put it, “Anybody would sign for what I got… but I would have preferred to have lost the lead by suffering.”

Keep an eye on this young talent—his story is only just beginning!

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