Isaac del Toro has been the surprising leader in the Giro d’Italia since Sunday. The Mexican talent from UAE Team Emirates is in Italy to assist his leader Juan Ayuso, but he believes the pink jersey suits him well.
The 21-year-old Del Toro started Tuesday with more than a minute’s lead over number two Ayuso in the rainy time trial. Now only 25 seconds remain. “I didn’t take any risks,” Del Toro said about the soaking wet course.
UAE Team Emirates is considered the best team in the world. Even when – as now – the undisputed leader Tadej Pogacar is not present, the formation has multiple trump cards. Del Toro is one of those spearheads. Ayuso is nominally the leader, but the Spaniard doesn’t seem too popular in his team.
“Everyone from our team is high in the standings,” Del Toro said when asked about this issue. “That’s great for the team. It’s up to the team management to tell me whether I should defend the pink or ride for my teammates.”
Meanwhile, Pogacar seems to have chosen sides. The Slovenian cycling star is currently preparing for the Tour de France and posted a telling post on Sunday. “I’m looking to the future,” Pogacar said about a photo of him looking at Del Toro. “Enjoy the pink journey.”
‘See How the Race Unfolds’
The battle for the Giro victory could therefore turn into fratricide, but Del Toro doesn’t want to anticipate too much. “It also depends on how the race unfolds,” the Mexican kept in the middle whether he will now ride in service of Ayuso.
“I want to believe that I can win the Giro, but then I need my best legs ever, like in the stage to Siena. I hope I have more days like that. I don’t find it difficult to wake up with the pink jersey, falling asleep is the problem.”
The time trial on Tuesday was surprisingly won by the Dutchman Daan Hoole. The Giro continues on Wednesday with a stage through the mid-mountains. The Italian stage race lasts until Sunday, June 1st.