Mexican rider Isaac del Toro (UAE) expressed that he was “thrilled and grateful to the team and Tadej Pogačar” after securing a spot on the podium—finishing third—during the Tour de France’s queen stage.
“I feel thrilled and grateful to Tadej Pogačar and the entire team for the great work they did throughout the stage and for me. Honestly, I had never felt so much pressure before, but that is something only the privileged get to feel,” he said at the finish line.
Del Toro (22, from Ensenada) recalled the difficult moments the team had endured due to a virus that had caused some of his teammates to fall ill.
“The team went through some tough times, but we tried to overcome them by refusing to be weak. Securing a podium spot was by no means easy, but now I’m happy, and I thank the team for everyone’s commitment and help—starting with Tadej,” he explained.
Del Toro also spoke about 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas—also a Tour debutant—who was his direct rival for the third spot on the podium.
“Seixas is a great rider, and he should celebrate the Tour he’s ridden. He and his team did everything they could to reach the same goal I did. He’s a great champion, and I’m happy both for them and for the outcome that fell my way,” he concluded.
