Breaking News! Get ready, cycling fans, because the 2026 Tour de France is shaping up to be epic! We've just learned that Isaac del Toro will be riding as a domestique for Tadej Pogacar, the world's best cycling team, UAE Team Emirates. This is big news, and it's got us buzzing!
This announcement comes fresh off the heels of the news that Joao Almeida will be skipping the Tour to focus on the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana. This strategic shift highlights the team's commitment to winning across multiple Grand Tours. Del Toro, the talented Mexican rider, will be a crucial support rider for Pogacar in the world's most prestigious race.
In his first press conference, Del Toro was clear about his role. He stated, "I’m going to learn with Tadej and get to know the race, maybe also for myself in the future. No rush and no pressure." This shows a humble and team-focused approach, which is exactly what you want from a domestique. He's focused on learning from the best and contributing to the team's overall success.
Del Toro's 2026 season kicks off at the UAE Tour, a key race for UAE Team Emirates. He'll then join Pogacar at Strade Bianche, aiming to shine at Tirreno-Adriatico. A major objective is to be Pogacar’s lead-out rider at Milan-San Remo, a race he's eager to win. Following that, he'll tackle Itzulia Basque Country, which promises a stellar lineup, and the Dauphine before his Tour de France debut.
But here's where it gets controversial... UAE's decision to put Del Toro alongside Pogacar at the Tour shows their immense confidence in him. He nearly won the Giro d’Italia in 2025 and dominated several one-day races. Will he also ride the Vuelta a Espana alongside Joao Almeida at the end of the season, or will he focus solely on the Tour, as he did in 2025?
Here’s Del Toro's 2026 Race Schedule:
- UAE Tour
- Strade Bianche
- Tirreno-Adriatico
- Milan-San Remo
- Itzulia Basque Country
- Tour du Auvergne Rhone Alpes (formerly the Dauphine)
- Tour de France
Del Toro's Own Words:
"Not all of my programme will be in support of Pogacar. In some races I will have freedom. But being with him at the Tour is a dream, it’s something I’ve always wanted, and now it’s about to happen. I want to try to take a step up to another level and see how I handle things."
"I’m going to learn there from Tadej and get to know the race itself, maybe to learn how I could go to the Tour for myself one day in the future. No rush and no pressure."
"I’ll start my racing programme at the UAE Tour, where I will be the main leader of UAE Team Emirates. After that I’ll race Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and Itzulia Basque Country. Then the Tour du Auvergne Rhone Alpes (formerly the Dauphine) and the Tour de France."
This is an exciting development for both Del Toro and the team. What do you think of this strategic move? Do you believe Del Toro has what it takes to be a key player in Pogacar's Tour de France campaign? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
