The UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad remained upbeat despite losing their lead in the Giro d’Italia on the penultimate day, choosing instead to highlight the achievements of Isaac del Toro throughout the race.
While Visma-Lease a Bike celebrated their strategy and EF Education-EasyPost critiqued UAE’s approach, Del Toro’s team chose to recognize the success of the Mexican rider rather than dwell on tactics or assign blame.
Typically, it’s rare for a team to express such happiness after losing a Grand Tour lead at the last moment, especially in a scenario where it seemed more a tactical decision rather than a shortfall in performance that derailed their ambitions. Yet, UAE was in a celebratory mood nonetheless.
Team manager Mauro Gianetti shared his reaction following the race, stating, “I congratulated Isaac on his impressive performance over the last three weeks.” He emphasized that Del Toro should take pride in his accomplishments, noting, “He has evolved into a more skilled cyclist.”
Initially, Del Toro had been slated to support pre-race favorite Juan Ayuso, but he seized the opportunity to wear the pink jersey on stage 9 after Ayuso faced difficulties due to injury, subsequently stepping into the leadership role.
The 21-year-old fully embraced the challenge and was ultimately rewarded with a stage victory, topped the best young rider category, and secured second place overall in his second appearance at a Grand Tour. Notably, he became the youngest podium finisher at the Giro in 85 years, a feat that his team regards as far more significant than his setback on stage 20.
“What he accomplished in these three weeks is truly remarkable,” Gianetti expressed. “I am incredibly proud of him, our team, and how quickly he has adapted. Although winning the Giro would have been ideal, we have undoubtedly found a remarkable talent.”
When questioned about Del Toro possibly becoming a phenomenal cyclist, Gianetti was clear in his assessment: “It’s not just a possibility; he is undeniably a phenomenon,” he stated, adding that this performance will likely reshape Del Toro’s career trajectory.
“He will now need to learn how to navigate the spotlight and expectations, and race more prominently,” he noted.
UAE also distanced itself from the blame game regarding whether Del Toro should have worked with Richard Carapaz, suggesting instead that Del Toro simply didn’t have the necessary strength that day. DS Fabio Baldato remarked on this, stating, “He did what was required, but ultimately, he lacked the legs.”
The only rivalry UAE engaged in was their ongoing competition with Visma-Lease a Bike, a team they have contended with at the Tour de France for four years. Although neither competitor was present in Italy, a rider from Visma prevailed against a UAE cyclist on stage 20, which Gianetti interpreted as “a small form of revenge for the Tour.” Grand Tour rivalries are set to continue in France next month.