Isaac del Toro Makes History as First Mexican Rider to Reach Tour de France Podium

-Editorial 

Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro made history at the 2026 Tour de France, becoming the first rider from Mexico to finish on the race’s overall podium and establishing himself as one of the sport’s top young talents.

The 22-year-old Ensenada, Baja California, native finished third overall in the general classification behind his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. Del Toro also won the White Jersey as the Tour’s best young rider.

Del Toro’s breakthrough performance included a victory in Stage 2, making him the first Mexican cyclist to win a Tour de France stage since Raúl Alcalá in 1989. The result marked a major milestone for Mexican cycling and placed Del Toro among the leading contenders in one of the world’s most prestigious stage races.

During the final mountain stages, Del Toro battled illness along with other UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders. On Stage 20, a demanding Alpine route featuring a summit finish at Alpe d’Huez, he received support from Pogačar while remaining among the top riders in the general classification battle.

Before the Tour de France, Del Toro had already established himself as a major force in professional cycling. In 2026, he won the overall classifications at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, earning his first UCI WorldTour stage race victories.

Del Toro first gained international recognition in 2023 when he won the Tour de l’Avenir, becoming the first Mexican cyclist to win the prestigious under-23 stage race, which has served as a launching point for many future professional stars.

Following that victory, UAE Team Emirates-XRG signed Del Toro to a professional contract beginning in 2024, moving him directly into cycling’s top division. The team had initially monitored his development while he competed for Mexican development programs, including A.R. Monex Pro Cycling Team.

Born in Ensenada, Del Toro began cycling at a young age and competed in multiple disciplines, including mountain biking, cyclocross and road racing. He has cited Colombian cyclist Egan Bernal’s 2019 Tour de France victory as an inspiration for pursuing a professional career.

Del Toro also recorded a historic result at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, finishing second overall, winning Stage 17 and claiming the young rider classification.

His 2026 Tour de France performance represents the latest achievement in a rapid rise that has made him one of Mexico’s most successful cyclists on the international stage.