Isaac del Toro Could Blow the Tour de France Apart

Everyone keeps asking Tadej Pogačar about Jonas Vingegaard.

The four-time Tour de France winner couldn’t stop talking about Isaac del Toro.

“I don’t think he (Vingegaard) is the only one who can come close,” Pogačar said in a pre-race press conference. “There are a few guys here who can aim for the victory, including this guy next to me.”

That’s not how Tour favorites usually talk about their helpers.

While everyone is going crazy over Paul Seixas, Pogačar seems convinced Del Toro could be the rookie who blows this race apart.

The 22-year-old arrives in Barcelona on a tear. He won the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico this spring after finishing second at last year’s Giro d’Italia.

Then he capped it by crushing the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes last month.

Ever humble, “El Torito” — the little bull — said he’s only thinking about helping Pogačar chase a record-tying fifth yellow jersey.

“It’s a huge dream to know I’ll be at the start of the Tour, and with the best team in the world, trying to help Tadej. I feel privileged,” Del Toro said. “I can hardly believe the person I’m becoming over these years, and to be honest, I’m very happy.”

Helping Pogačar will help Del Toro

Isaac del Toro is part of a scary strong UAE team, but the Slovenian doesn’t sound like he’s planning on keeping Del Toro on a leash.

A stage win or the white jersey isn’t out of the question. And if Peak Pog dominates like everyone expects, who knows what else might happen.

“This is an important year for me. I’ll try to learn from the critical moments and contribute whatever I can for Tadej,” Del Toro said. “Starting the Tour is what I’ve always hoped for ever since I started cycling. I’m excited, and a bit nervous.”

Some fans wish Del Toro was leading his own team instead of riding shotgun for Pogačar.

The irony is that racing with Pogačar instead of against him could actually improve his chances.

If he’s the last rider climbing beside Pogačar deep into the Alps and Pyrénées, he’ll already be high on GC.

Making Mexican history

Del Toro mania is also buzzing in Mexico and dozens of fans cheered him during Thursday’s team presentation in the shadow of the Sagrada Família.

Mexico hasn’t had a Tour starter since Miguel Arroyo in 1997. And no Mexican has won a Tour stage since Raúl Alcalá won in 1989 and again in 1990.

“I can’t wait for it to start, and I’m going to try to give it my all over these three weeks,” Del Toro said. “It will be a tough race and tactics will be crucial every day.”

Seixas might be getting all the hype, but don’t be surprised if he ends up with the better Tour.

Asked what he hoped would happen over the next three weeks, Pogačar didn’t mention a fifth Tour title.

He smiled.

“That Isaac wins the Tour de France.”