For the first time in history, a Mexican cyclist leads the general classification of the Giro d’Italia. Isaac Del Toro, an emerging talent in world cycling, took over the pink jersey this Sunday at the end of the ninth stage, the title of leader of the legendary Italian competition.
At just 21 years old, Isaac Del Toro not only became the first Mexican to lead the Giro, but also the youngest rider of the 21st century to wear the pink jersey. “It’s incredible,” he excitedly declared at the end of the stage.
Who is Isaac Del Toro Romero?
Originally from Ensenada, Baja California, Isaac Del Toro Romero was born on November 27, 2003, and has been involved in cycling from an early age, encouraged by his parents. His training ranged from mountain biking and cyclocross to competitive road racing. This passion led him to leave his homeland to make his mark in Europe. In 2019, he joined the A.R. Monex Pro Cycling Team, a San Marino-based squad made up of Mexican cyclists seeking to gain international prominence. His career took off in 2023 with a win at the Tour de l’Avenir, considered the Tour de France for U23 riders, earning him a spot on the powerful UAE Team Emirates.
In his Giro d’Italia debut, Del Toro has shown solidity and ambition. In the ninth stage, held this Sunday, he finished second at the finish in Siena, behind Belgian Wout Van Aert. The two put together a thrilling finish on the dusty dirt roads of the Strade Bianche, leaving behind the likes of Colombian Egan Bernal and Czech Mathias Vacek 15 kilometers from the finish.
When asked if he believes he can win the Giro, the young Mexican was cautious but didn’t stop dreaming: “Dreaming is free,” he said with a smile.
