UAE Team Emirates Coach Confirms Vuelta Lineup and Highlights Isaac Del Toro: “He Reminds Us a Bit of Pogačar
As the Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, approaches, teams across the world are meticulously finalizing their lineups, strategizing their approaches, and preparing their riders for the grueling challenge that lies ahead. Among these teams, UAE Team Emirates stands out, not only for its recent successes but also for the rising stars in its ranks. Recently, the team’s coach offered insights into their Vuelta squad and made a particularly intriguing comparison between a young rider, Isaac Del Toro, and the team’s superstar, Tadej Pogačar.
UAE Team Emirates has become synonymous with high performance, tactical brilliance, and nurturing some of the most promising talents in cycling. Under the leadership of team director Joxean Fernández Matxin, the team has enjoyed considerable success, with Tadej Pogačar leading the charge as one of the most dominant cyclists in recent years. As the Vuelta a España approaches, all eyes are on who will carry the torch for the team in Spain.
In a recent interview, Matxin confirmed several key riders who will be at the start line of the Vuelta. While the absence of Pogačar and Juan Ayuso—two of the team’s biggest names—might initially seem like a blow, the UAE coach expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and versatility. “We have built a well-rounded team for the Vuelta,” Matxin said. “Even without Tadej and Juan, we believe in the strength and potential of our lineup.”
The confirmed riders include experienced leaders and promising young talents, a mix that the team hopes will allow them to compete effectively across the varied terrain of the Vuelta. Among the key riders are Adam Yates and João Almeida, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s overall strategy. Yates, known for his climbing prowess and consistency, will be a significant asset in the mountain stages, while Almeida’s time trialing skills and all-around capabilities make him a formidable contender in the general classification.
Matxin also emphasized the importance of team cohesion and adaptability, noting that the Vuelta is often unpredictable, with the race’s challenging routes and the late-season timing adding layers of complexity. “The Vuelta is always a unique challenge,” Matxin explained. “We need riders who can adapt to different situations, whether it’s supporting a leader in the mountains, chasing breakaways, or protecting our position in the peloton.”
Amidst the discussion of the team’s Vuelta lineup, Matxin couldn’t help but draw attention to one of UAE Team Emirates’ newest and most exciting prospects: Isaac Del Toro. The young Mexican rider has been turning heads with his performances, and the comparisons to Tadej Pogačar, one of the sport’s brightest stars, are already beginning to emerge.
“Isaac reminds us a bit of Pogačar,” Matxin said, with a smile that suggested the team’s coach was genuinely excited about Del Toro’s future. “There’s something special about the way he rides, the way he reads the race, and his natural instincts on the bike. He’s still very young, but we see a lot of potential in him.”
Del Toro’s journey to professional cycling has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Mexico, where cycling is not as widely followed as in Europe, Del Toro had to overcome significant challenges to reach the elite level. His determination, coupled with a raw talent that was evident from an early age, caught the attention of scouts and eventually led to his signing with UAE Team Emirates.
Since joining the team, Del Toro has continued to impress, both in training and in his early race appearances. His performance at the U23 level, where he showed a remarkable ability to climb and compete in the toughest of conditions, has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike. Del Toro’s rapid development has not gone unnoticed, and many within the team believe he could be the next big thing in cycling.
The comparison with Tadej Pogačar is no small compliment. Pogačar, who burst onto the scene with his sensational victory at the 2020 Tour de France, is already regarded as one of the most talented riders of his generation. His ability to perform across a range of disciplines—whether it’s climbing, time trialing, or sprinting—makes him a complete rider and a fierce competitor in any race he enters.
So what exactly is it about Del Toro that draws these comparisons? Matxin elaborated on the similarities, noting that both riders share an exceptional racing IQ and a fearlessness that belies their youth. “Tadej and Isaac both have this incredible ability to stay calm under pressure,” Matxin explained. “They’re not intimidated by big moments; in fact, they seem to thrive in them. That’s a rare quality, especially in young riders.”
Additionally, both Pogačar and Del Toro are known for their aggressive racing style. They don’t wait for opportunities—they create them. Whether it’s attacking on a climb, launching a solo breakaway, or taking risks on a descent, these riders have a knack for making decisive moves that can turn a race on its head. “Isaac has that same spark,” Matxin said. “He’s not afraid to take the initiative, and that’s something we value highly in our team.”
While the immediate focus is on the upcoming Vuelta, the emergence of talents like Isaac Del Toro highlights UAE Team Emirates’ broader strategy: building a team that can dominate not just in the present, but for years to come. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team is positioning itself as a powerhouse in the world of cycling, capable of challenging for titles across all three Grand Tours and beyond.
Matxin emphasized that the team’s development program is integral to their long-term success. “We’re always looking to the future,” he said. “It’s not just about winning races today; it’s about creating a sustainable system where we can nurture young talents and help them reach their full potential. Riders like Isaac are a testament to that vision.”
For Del Toro, the journey is just beginning. The young rider has already shown flashes of brilliance, but the road ahead will be challenging as he transitions to racing at the highest level. The Vuelta, whether he participates or not, will serve as an important learning experience, providing him with the opportunity to test himself against the best in the world.
As the Vuelta approaches, the excitement within UAE Team Emirates is palpable. With a strong squad ready to take on the Spanish roads and a rising star in Isaac Del Toro waiting in the wings, the team is poised for another successful Grand Tour campaign. While the absence of Pogačar and Ayuso will certainly be felt, the depth and talent within the team ensure that they remain a formidable force.
For Isaac Del Toro, the comparisons to Tadej Pogačar are both a compliment and a challenge. While it’s impossible to predict the future, the young Mexican rider has already shown that he has the talent, determination, and mentality to make a name for himself in the sport. Whether he follows in Pogačar’s footsteps or carves out his own unique path, one thing is certain: Isaac Del Toro is a name to watch in the world of professional cycling.
As the Vuelta unfolds, fans of UAE Team Emirates will be eagerly watching not just the established stars, but also the new faces who could represent the future of the team. And among those faces, Isaac Del Toro stands out—a rider with the potential to become one of cycling’s next great champions.
