Mexican Climber Isaac Del Toro Speeds Toward Cycling’s Summit

At just 21 years old, Isaac Del Toro is shaking up the pro cycling world. Surging to the top of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, this Mexican phenom proves that grit, talent, and unrelenting ambition can rewrite the sport’s script.

Triumph on Tuscany’s Gravel Roads

Stage 9 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia unfolded like a dramatic dust storm, propelling Isaac Del Toro—a 21-year-old cyclist from Ensenada, Baja California—into the spotlight. Renowned for his climbing prowess, Del Toro surprised many on Tuscany’s rugged “white roads” by joining a decisive breakaway. Alongside Belgium’s Wout van Aert, Del Toro sparred over 30 kilometers of rolling gravel before narrowly missing out on a stage victory in Siena.

Although van Aert took top honors, the young Mexican had reason to celebrate. His second-place finish vaulted him to the top of the general classification, netting him the coveted pink leader’s jersey. This outcome highlights his persistence, specifically considering his age and limited experience in a Grand Tour. That Del Toro now has a lead exceeding one minute compared to others in the group is even more notable—he performed differently than more experienced racers suggested.

At the same time, problems appear. A long-time trial, 28.6 kilometers between Lucca and Pisa, is coming. Del Toro, who has rarely raced this distance against the clock, acknowledges that keeping his pink jersey might be even tougher than earning it. But confidence gained on the gravel roads fuels his belief that this Giro could be a transformative turning point.

A Meteoric Ascent from Ensenada to Europe

Del Toro’s journey to the elite ranks was not a straight line. Born on November 27, 2023, in Baja California, he first explored mountain biking and cyclocross. His parents recognized his aptitude early, encouraging him to pursue a path in professional cycling—a path that led him away from Mexico in his late teens.
He cut his teeth with the A.R. Monex Pro Cycling Team, an outfit based in San Marino that trains young Mexican riders in Europe. In 2019, Del Toro competed in the Under-23 category. He developed a reputation for determination and adaptability. After he became a professional in 2023, he began to race in important events. Soon, he performed in ways that showed he could become a star.

At the Tour Down Under in 2024, Del Toro notched a podium finish in the final standings while claiming the title of best neo-pro. One of his breakout successes arrived at the Milan–Turin race in 2025, where he seized a remarkable solo victory, becoming the youngest cyclist—and the first Mexican athlete—to win the historic event.

The Youngest Pink Jersey of the Century

Del Toro’s performance on Tuscany’s gravel roads greatly impacted the larger cycling community. At 21 years and 173 days, he became the Giro’s youngest leader in over a hundred years and obtained the pink jersey. Because he competes for a team with well-known riders such as Juan Ayuso, Del Toro must balance leadership needs with team responsibilities.

Such pressure could overwhelm many riders, but Del Toro seems to take it in stride. Known affectionately as “Torito,” he exudes calm, particularly under the scrutiny of media and adoring fans. He often credits his supporters back home and the close-knit environment of his European-based team for helping him stay grounded. When asked about wearing the maglia rosa, he called it a “dream come true,” emphasizing the symbolic weight of succeeding in a country where he spent formative years honing his craft.

Following in the Footsteps of Legends

Del Toro’s stage racing accomplishments echo legends who once began their ascent in the Tour de l’Avenir. This esteemed under-23 competition also launched the careers of Tadej Pogacar, Egan Bernal, and Nairo Quintana. Winning the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir was Del Toro’s first huge sign that he could one day challenge in the Grand Tours. He made history by taking the overall title and claiming the mountains and intermediate sprint classifications—a feat Pogacar did not manage.

The passage of seasons saw Del Toro build on that promise. A victory during the Vuelta a Asturias in 2024 further solidified his skill set. Following that came his triumph at Milan—Turin, which underscored his resilience across various race formats. After each win, calls became louder. Is he similar to Bernal or Pogacar? Or is he creating his path to achievement?

For his part, Del Toro remains humble yet realistic. “I want to give back all the love I’ve been shown,” he has said, referencing the enthusiastic reception from Mexican fans who see him as a torchbearer of their nation’s ambitions on the global cycling stage. Though he trains far from home, he receives unwavering support across the Atlantic, particularly as excitement builds for the upcoming Olympic cycle culminating in Los Angeles in 2028.

The Road Ahead: A Test of Character

Although Isaac Del Toro has already tasted success at the Giro, sustaining a Grand Tour lead at just 21 demands near-superhuman discipline—physically, mentally, and tactically. The time trial is the next hurdle, especially for a self-described “pure climber” who rarely tackles such extended periods in the saddle alone. But modern cycling rewards well-rounded riders, and Del Toro’s rapid development suggests that with each new race, he learns vital lessons.

Beyond the Giro, his coaches see a bright future involving top finishes at the Tour de France or the Vuelta a España. In cycling’s storied annals, few young talents have burst onto the scene as convincingly as Del Toro. Mentors at his UAE-based team note his uncanny ability to read races, navigate pelotons, and seize key moments—qualities that separate champions from also-rans.

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Del Toro remains focused on defending his pink jersey and exceeding expectations. Seasoned experts already liken his potential to that of the sport’s most iconic figures, though he seems more intent on forging his legend. No matter how the Giro d’Italia concludes, he has already stamped a message on pro cycling: the Mexican newcomer is no fluke. Confident yet humble, Isaac Del Toro could well be the following transcendent figure in the sport—proving that sometimes, youth can conquer everything, even the dusty gravel roads of Tuscany.