Isaac del Toro has turned his Tour de France debut into one of the race’s most compelling early stories, with the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider already in podium position after six stages.
The 22-year-old Mexican is riding only his third Grand Tour. Just over a year after almost winning the Giro d’Italia, he is now a favourite to secure a top-three finish in France.
Del Toro also leads the young rider classification and wears the white jersey. Behind race leader Tadej Pogačar, he has been one of the standout performers of the opening week.
Isaac del Toro reshapes the podium contest
Del Toro started strongly with the sixth-fastest time on the opening team time trial. He then won stage two on Montjuïc in Barcelona, showing sharp finishing speed against elite opposition.
One day later, he helped set up Pogačar for victory. On stage six, he again played a central role for the Slovenian, driving the pace before Pogačar attacked on the Col du Tourmalet.
That work did not end Del Toro’s own ambitions for the day. After a hard effort, he stayed with the other general classification contenders and finished third in Gavarnie-Gèdre.
Before stage seven, Del Toro sits third overall. He trails Pogačar by 3:27 and is 45 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard.
The wider podium battle remains tight. Six riders are within one minute of Del Toro, making the fight for second and third look less predictable than the yellow jersey contest.
Del Toro’s performances have also added pressure to the established Pogačar-Vingegaard order. The pair have occupied the first two positions at the Tour every year since 2021.
Del Toro outsprinted Vingegaard on Montjuïc. He then distanced the Dane on the Tourmalet after helping launch Pogačar’s move.
UAE insist Del Toro remains in support role
UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Mauro Gianetti said Del Toro’s primary task remains clear. He is at the Tour to support Pogačar, even while his own position strengthens.
Gianetti said Del Toro is in “great, great shape” and described him as an “amazing champion.” He added that the Mexican is still discovering the Tour de France.
The team’s approach may depend on how much work Pogačar needs from Del Toro in the mountains. That balance could decide whether Del Toro can fully challenge Vingegaard for second place.
Gianetti rejected the idea that Del Toro had enough left to follow Pogačar over the Tourmalet. He said Del Toro “could not stay with Tadej” after his final lead-out effort.
According to Gianetti, Del Toro had ridden the last 200 to 300 metres before Pogačar’s attack at full speed. That effort cost him heavily before he recovered and rejoined the podium contenders.
Despite UAE’s strong position, Gianetti warned against treating the race as settled. He noted that only six stages had been completed, with the first rest day still ahead.
He also underlined Vingegaard’s resilience, saying the Dane remains a very strong rider and “will not give up.”
For now, Del Toro gives UAE both a commanding leader and a surprise podium card. His challenge is to keep helping Pogačar while defending his own place near the front.