Isaac del Toro, a rider for UAE Team Emirates-EXG, expressed his pride in his performance at the Giro d’Italia, even though he lost the title to British cyclist Simon Yates.
The Mexican cyclist entered Saturday’s crucial Stage 20 in a strong position, aiming to secure back-to-back wins for UAE Team Emirates following Tadej Pogacar’s victory last year.
However, Simon Yates, who was positioned third in the overall standings—81 seconds behind del Toro—delivered an outstanding ride on the Colle delle Finestre, the race’s highest climb, overtaking both del Toro and second-place Richard Carapaz.
Yates finished the stage nearly four minutes ahead of del Toro, solidifying his lead as he approached the final stage in Rome.
Del Toro had first claimed the overall lead on Stage 9, donning the iconic pink jersey, which he successfully held for the following ten stages.
Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, victory slipped away, marking his second appearance in a Grand Tour after last year’s Vuelta a España.
“Naturally, I am quite pleased to have finished in second place. I need to approach this with maturity, and many people are surprised by my current level,” Del Toro remarked. His Stage 17 win was his first in a Grand Tour event.
“For my team, this outcome isn’t shocking; it’s merely a matter of time. I have to believe in myself, which is my personal challenge. However, this week demonstrated that I can be a leading competitor, and I couldn’t be more proud,” he added.
“While it is always disappointing to lose the leader’s jersey, our team is united and proud of our performance. We may not have achieved victory, but… that’s the essence of cycling, and that’s what we love about it.”
“I was close, and that’s significant, but in the end, I didn’t win. I will continue to work hard and will definitely come back,” said Del Toro.
“You need to be a gracious winner and a respectable loser, and I believe I am a good loser. Congratulations to them,” he concluded.
For Yates, it was a moment of redemption as he shed tears upon finishing in third place, behind stage winner Chris Harper and second-place Alessandro Verre.
Back in 2018, Yates had worn the pink jersey on a similar mountain stage, only to lose his lead to Chris Froome on the same Colle delle Finestre.
On that day, Yates finished 18th, nearly 36 minutes behind Froome, who was poised to become the eventual champion.
“When the route map was unveiled, I kept it in my mind that I wanted to accomplish something here and close that chapter,” shared Yates.
“I might have appeared relaxed, but I had doubts this morning about my capability to achieve something significant. Fortunately, my teammates encouraged me and showed their belief in my abilities.”
Del Toro remained positive following a remarkable performance as a young athlete. “My disappointment is divided—half for me and half for the team. They deserved the win,” he commented.
“I feel a sense of pride in having shown that I can compete in a Grand Tour and that I am not lacking in ability. Many doubted I could perform at this level before the Giro. I was in contention for the victory.”
“I respect the more experienced riders, but after reviewing my performances throughout this Giro, I’m starting to believe that I can indeed win a Grand Tour,” he stated.
“I will sleep well tonight because I’ve grown and realized that this is also part of cycling. While I’m not smiling about being second, it’s still a commendable result.”
During the final stage on Sunday, the cyclists received blessings from Pope Leo at the Vatican before Yates crossed the finish line in Rome, with his teammate Olav Kooij taking the stage victory in a sprint finish.