Isaac del Toro’s Ascent: A New Force in Cycling Challenges Pogacar’s Reign

The cycling world is buzzing after Isaac del Toro’s dominant performance at the UAE Tour 2026, culminating in an overall victory that wasn’t just about winning, but how he won. The 22-year-old’s aggressive riding style and record-breaking climbs have sparked comparisons to Tadej Pogačar, suggesting a potential shift in the sport’s power dynamics.

Early Stages and Unexpected Challenges

Del Toro announced his arrival with a bold attack on the first stage at Liwa Palace, mirroring a tactic previously attempted by Pogačar in 2025. While Pogačar struggled to capitalize on a similar move last year, finishing 10th, Del Toro secured a decisive win. However, the second stage, an individual time trial, presented an unexpected hurdle. He finished 25th, 41 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel, the double Olympic Champion, and lost ground to key General Classification (GC) rivals like Antonio Tiberi, Derek Gee-West, and Luke Plapp.

The time trial setback was partially attributed to unfavorable wind conditions. As race leader, Del Toro was the last to start, facing significantly stronger winds than earlier competitors who strategically chose calmer time slots. This resulted in a nearly 30-second loss in the first 6km alone, impacting his overall time despite his impending form.

Jebel Mobrah: A Turning Point

Stage 3, featuring a challenging finish on Jebel Mobrah (6.8km at 11.8%), dramatically altered the race landscape. Following an attack by Felix Gall, Evenepoel attempted to respond, but miscalculated, allowing Del Toro to regain contact. The Mexican rider then demonstrated remarkable pacing and calculated effort, steadily climbing back through the field and ultimately launching a decisive attack in the final kilometers, soloing to the line.

Antonio Tiberi secured second place, delivering a career-best climbing performance. Both riders showcased exceptional power, reigniting discussions about Del Toro’s potential as the next Pogačar.

Power Data on Jebel Mobrah

• Isaac del Toro: 25:52, Estimated Average Power: ~425w (6.6w/kg), TO YOU: ~1,950 Vm/h
• Antonio Tiberi: 25:37 at ~6.7w/kg
• Derek Gee-West: 26:44 at 439w (6.3w/kg)

Jebel Hafeet: Sealing the Victory

Stages 4 and 5 were won by Jonathan Milan in bunch sprints, setting the stage for the decisive climb of Jebel Hafeet (10.6km at 6.9%). Tiberi held the GC lead, but Del Toro remained a close threat. UAE Team Emirates-XRG controlled the pace, setting up Del Toro for a series of aggressive attacks. Unlike his steady approach on Jebel Mobrah, Del Toro employed 60-90 second bursts, systematically distancing his rivals, culminating in a final acceleration that dropped Tiberi 2.5km from the summit.

Power Data on Jebel Hafeet

• Isaac del Toro: 22:31, Estimated Average Power: ~430w (6.6w/kg), Final attack: 69 seconds at ~630w (9.6w/kg)
• Antonio Tiberi: 23:08 at ~6.5w/kg
• Derek Gee-West: 23:13 at 446w (6.4w/kg)

Del Toro won the stage and secured the overall victory, finishing 31 seconds ahead of a struggling Tiberi, who was overtaken by Plapp and Gall. This performance solidified Del Toro’s brilliance and intensified comparisons to Pogačar.

A Rising Star: Del Toro and the Legacy of Pogačar

At 22, Pogačar had won a single WorldTour stage race (Tour of California) and finished third in the Vuelta a España, before his first Tour de France victory in 2020. Del Toro, at the same age, boasts 24 wins and a second-place finish at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, where a momentary lapse cost him the overall title. He rebounded strongly, winning nine races in the subsequent months, demonstrating continuous improvement.

Del Toro’s performances on Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet showcased his versatility. Jebel Mobrah demanded a sustained, paced effort, while Jebel Hafeet saw him utilize explosive accelerations. This adaptability, combined with his stage 1 win, suggests a rider capable of excelling in diverse terrains.

The cycling world eagerly anticipates the upcoming matchups between Del Toro and Pogačar at events like Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo, and the Tour de France. The student may soon become the teacher, challenging Pogačar’s dominance and ushering in a new era of cycling.