UAE Coach Confirms Several Riders at the Vuelta and Talks About Isaac Del Toro: “He Reminds Us a Bit of Pogačar”
As the 2024 Vuelta a España approaches, anticipation is building around who will emerge as the next Grand Tour star. For UAE Team Emirates, the race is not just another opportunity to showcase their formidable strength but also a chance to introduce a new talent who has been turning heads in the cycling world—Isaac Del Toro. In a recent interview, UAE Team Emirates’ coach shared insights on the team’s strategy for the Vuelta and offered high praise for Del Toro, drawing a comparison that will undoubtedly fuel expectations: “He reminds us a bit of Pogačar.”
UAE Team Emirates: A Team of Contenders
UAE Team Emirates has established itself as a dominant force in professional cycling, particularly in Grand Tours. With Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, leading the charge, the team has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest level. As they prepare for the Vuelta a España, the team’s roster reflects a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, with several riders poised to make a significant impact.
The coach confirmed that UAE Team Emirates would field a strong lineup at the Vuelta, designed to challenge for both stage victories and the overall classification. Among the key riders are João Almeida, who has consistently proven himself as a reliable contender in Grand Tours, and Marc Soler, whose aggressive riding style and climbing ability make him a valuable asset in the mountains. The team’s depth is further enhanced by the presence of Davide Formolo and Rafal Majka, both of whom bring experience and tactical savvy to the table.
However, the most intriguing name on the roster is Isaac Del Toro, a young rider from Mexico who has been making waves in the cycling community. Del Toro, who recently joined UAE Team Emirates, has already shown flashes of brilliance, and his inclusion in the Vuelta squad indicates the team’s belief in his potential.
The Rising Star: Isaac Del Toro
Isaac Del Toro’s rise in professional cycling has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Mexico, Del Toro has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young riders in the sport. His journey to the top has been characterized by a combination of raw talent, determination, and a deep passion for cycling.
At just 21 years old, Del Toro has already accumulated a series of impressive results in the U23 category, including strong performances in multi-stage races and one-day classics. His ability to perform in various terrains—whether it’s grueling mountain ascents, flat time trials, or punchy finishes—has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s biggest names.
It’s no surprise then that UAE Team Emirates has invested in Del Toro’s development. The team’s coach emphasized the unique qualities that Del Toro brings to the table: “Isaac has a very special talent. He’s incredibly versatile, which is rare for someone so young. Whether it’s a long climb, a technical descent, or a sprint finish, he seems to have a natural feel for what needs to be done. That’s something you can’t really teach; it’s instinctive.”
The Comparison to Pogačar
Drawing comparisons to Tadej Pogačar is both a compliment and a challenge for any young rider. Pogačar, who has redefined what’s possible for young cyclists in the modern era, is known for his all-round capabilities, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness. For the UAE coach to liken Del Toro to Pogačar is to acknowledge that the team sees a similar potential in the young Mexican.
“He reminds us a bit of Pogačar,” the coach admitted with a smile. “It’s not just the way he rides, but also his approach to the race. Isaac has that same fearlessness that we saw in Tadej when he was starting out. He’s not intimidated by the big names or the big stages. He just loves to race, and he’s willing to take risks when he feels the moment is right.”
The comparison, while flattering, also brings with it a degree of pressure. Pogačar’s rapid ascent to the top of the sport has set a high bar, and Del Toro will inevitably face expectations to deliver similar results. However, the UAE coach was quick to point out that the team is focused on supporting Del Toro’s development at a pace that suits him: “We’re very conscious of not putting too much pressure on Isaac too soon. He’s still very young, and he has a lot to learn. Our goal is to help him grow as a rider and give him the tools he needs to succeed in the long term.”
Del Toro’s Role at the Vuelta
The 2024 Vuelta a España represents a significant step in Del Toro’s career. For a young rider, the Vuelta’s challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions offer a trial by fire, providing invaluable experience that can shape future successes. While it’s unlikely that Del Toro will be expected to lead UAE Team Emirates’ charge for the general classification, his role will be crucial in supporting the team’s broader objectives.
The coach explained that Del Toro would be given opportunities to shine, particularly on stages that suit his strengths: “We’re going to use Isaac in a way that plays to his strengths. There will be stages where we want to give him the chance to go for the win, especially in the mountains. But he’ll also be learning from the more experienced riders, understanding how to manage a three-week race, and contributing to the team’s overall strategy.”
For Del Toro, the Vuelta is not just about proving his potential but also about gaining experience that will serve him well in future Grand Tours. The race will test his endurance, tactical nous, and ability to recover from the daily grind of one of the toughest events in professional cycling.
The Future of UAE Team Emirates
The inclusion of Isaac Del Toro in the Vuelta squad is indicative of UAE Team Emirates’ broader strategy to build a sustainable model of success. The team has already shown that it can develop young talents into world-class riders, and Del Toro represents the next generation of this vision.
The coach highlighted the importance of balancing the immediate goals of winning races with the long-term development of riders: “We’ve been very successful with riders like Tadej, and now we’re looking to the future. Isaac is a big part of that future. We believe that with the right guidance, he can achieve great things. But we’re also mindful that every rider has their own path, and we want to support him in finding his.”
As UAE Team Emirates prepares for the Vuelta a España, the focus will be on both achieving success in the present and laying the groundwork for the future. Del Toro’s development will be a key part of this dual approach, and his performance at the Vuelta will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
A Star in the Making
Isaac Del Toro’s inclusion in the UAE Team Emirates squad for the 2024 Vuelta a España is a testament to his potential and the faith the team has in his abilities. The comparison to Tadej Pogačar, while daunting, underscores the belief that Del Toro could become one of the sport’s next big stars.
As the Vuelta unfolds, Del Toro will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in cycling. Whether he emerges as a contender for stage victories or plays a crucial supporting role, one thing is certain: Isaac Del Toro is a name that will be heard more and more in the years to come. And for UAE Team Emirates, he represents the future of a team that has already achieved so much, yet is always looking ahead to the next challenge.
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