Isaac del Toro as a New Rival to Beat
This September 28th, the eyes of international cycling will be on Kigali, the venue for the 2025 Road Cycling World Championships, where a new Mexican star is ready to challenge the big names: Isaac del Toro.
While favorites like Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Carapaz steal the spotlight, the young man from Baja California has taken center stage, stirring excitement throughout Latin America with his recent feats on the bike.
The Mexican champion arrives at the road race after a historic performance in the individual time trial.
His fifth-place finish not only elevated Mexico’s reputation in world cycling but also cemented del Toro as the rival no one wants on his wheel.
His season has been marked by resounding victories and a distinctive poise, generating great expectations for what he can achieve in the battle for the coveted rainbow jersey.
A Mexican among the best in the world
Isaac del Toro has gone from being a promise to an unstoppable reality.
On September 21, the 21-year-old cyclist challenged the giants of the time trial, covering 40.6 kilometers of hilly terrain and stopping the clock in an extraordinary time.
His position in the world’s top five is the best ever for a Mexican in the sport, surpassing elite competitors and finishing just minutes behind three-time Belgian champion Remco Evenepoel.
The young cyclist demonstrated his power and impressive strategic ability, staying among the leaders at the intermediate points and resisting pressure from the favorites until the finish.
This performance has ignited hopes of seeing the Mexican flag flying at the top of the world podium.
Latin America’s return to the elite
Del Toro’s feat in Kigali broke a drought of more than two decades for Latin America, as no rider from the region had cracked the world’s top five in time trials since 2002.
This resurgence is a source of pride for both Mexico and the entire continent, which sees in Isaac a symbol of perseverance and talent capable of challenging the European powers.
Furthermore, his season was highlighted by victories in iconic races such as the Vuelta a Asturias, Milano-Torino, and the Vuelta a Burgos, as well as wearing the pink jersey in the Giro d’Italia for more than a dozen days, a feat reserved for the greats of professional cycling.
The challenge in Kigali and the new generation
The 2025 Road World Championships are the stage where the new generation of Latin American cycling seeks to take the lead.
Established figures like Pogacar, Evenepoel, Ayuso, and Bernal know that the rise of talents like Isaac del Toro marks the beginning of a challenging era.
With his morale soaring and the support of an entire region, Isaac faces the road race determined to write an unforgettable chapter.
His courage and determination make him one of the most anticipated protagonists, ready to inspire future generations and add Mexico’s name to the history of world cycling.
