Isaac del Toro: from anonymity to the top of the sport

Mexican under-23 rider Isaac del Toro has been consistently impressive on the U23 circuit this year, but rose to prominence during this month's Tour de l'Avenir, where his ability shone through alongside some of the best young talents in the world.

The 19-year-old won on the mythical - and very challenging - Col de la Loze and cemented his name on the list of rising stars after winning every classification of the world’s most prestigious U23 men’s race.

However, things have not always been easy for the promising young rider, who had to leave his home at the early age of 15 to pursue his dream.

GCN caught up with Tel Doro to find out more about his background and his ambitions for the future.

GCN: How did you get into cycling?

Del Toro: I started cycling because of my parents. They wanted me to do sports and my dad suggested cycling. I started with my brother, from Sunday to Sunday, we had a lot of fun and little by little we made progress. My brother and I were very competitive with each other and later on we started doing some races in Ensenada, Baja California, and then we made the step to race at a national level and began to look for bigger races.

GCN: When did you realise that you had a talent for this and that your hobby could become a professional career?

DT: I honestly don't know, at first it was something very normal for me. I had a lot of fun and was very focused every weekend. In general, I was just enjoying and having a good time, but slowly I began to trust myself more. I am a person who doubts himself a lot, so I work really hard and I prepare everything that is within my control. But I'm evolving and I'm hoping to be ready to reach the top of the sport.

GCN: In general, Mexican riders tend to focus on the track to get into the National Team and thus be able to travel and compete abroad, but your path has been different, tell us more…

DT: My path through cycling was indeed very different. I obviously went through everything (MTB, road and track), but I was never selected to compete on the track at a national level. I did it at State level and trained a lot in the velodrome, but it didn't go any further. I had a lot of fun and I know that my path was different, but we all have a different path and story. I am grateful mine is working great so far.

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Isaac Del Toro racing the junior time trial at the 2021 World Championships

GCN: How and when did you join AR Monex?

DT: It was four years ago, when I was 15 years old, I was preparing for the national road championship and I did well. After taking a break I went back to training and, although I was contemplating taking a break from cycling to enjoy with my friends, I saw that this new team was looking for riders and it seemed like an opportunity that I could not miss. Things went well and after three months of tests I was selected to be part of the team. It’s been very nice, since we have been able to grow hand in hand and now the place we are in is truly incredible.

GCN: The situation of Latin American riders is complicated, cycling is a European sport and it is not easy to obtain the resources and visa permits to emigrate and pursue your goals. What role has the team played in your success?

DT: Yes, it is very complicated. It was difficult to assimilate everything, but in the end the team has supported us with everything, we have not had any problems. They helped us with our visas so we can be based in San Marino, close to Italy, they also take care of the expenses. Obviously we always want things to go well, but the team supports us without putting pressure on us or anything. They have always cared for us as individuals and we are very grateful and wanting to put the name of the team very high.

GCN: Was it difficult to leave your family and friends behind to emigrate to Europe?

DT: When I was selected to be part of the team I was 15 years old and I went to live in Mexico City from one day to the next. I left my school behind along with everything I was doing at the time because I had a dream and I wanted to do everything to achieve it. Later the team wanted to base itself in Europe and for me it was not very different, my life revolved around the team and my teammates, little by little I got used to being away from home. Sometimes it's hard, but I stay focused and I've been able to get through it over the years.

GCN: You've had a pretty strong and consistent season, but these results at the Tour de l'Avenir surprised everyone. You beat riders who are in professional teams, some of them participated in Grand Tours. Did you know what you were capable of before the race?

DT: I wouldn't say that I didn't expect it, but I do doubt myself a lot and luckily I have people who try to help me with that. There are people who fully trust me and I trust them. When we arrived at the Tour de l'Avenir we knew I was in good form and I had the confidence of my support system, which motivated me. It was a matter of me having confidence in myself and obviously I had to be very intelligent and had to do things very thoughtfully and very planned. I am super happy to be able to face those situations and achieve my goals. Winning there was one of my biggest dreams and I feel very proud to be able to give something this big back to all the people who support me.

© Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images

Isaac del Toro wins atop the Col de la Loze at the Tour de l'Avenir

GCN: Was it intimidating to fight against strong nations like Italy with a modest team?

DT: In the end, cycling is European and the highest level is on this side. I have teammates who gave everything for me, who gave up on their own goals to support mine and I am eternally grateful. In the end they put their interests below mine and that was incredible, I couldn't pay them back with less than victory. I gave everything every day and I am very happy to have achieved so much success.

GCN: The Tour de l’Avenir is also known as the U23 version of the Tour de France, many riders like Egan Bernal and Tadej Pogačar have won here before conquering yellow in Paris. What are your dreams and ambitions as a cyclist?

DT: I have always been very ambitious with all my dreams. This was one of them and I know that in 10 years I might sound like a fool who asked for too much and didn't achieve much, but I don't care, I want to work and continue dreaming and I would like to be in the three Grand Tours and be in the mix. I want to be there and if I were given the opportunity, I would give everything to succeed. Those are my biggest dreams and I would give everything to be there.

GCN: There are rumours that next year you will join the ranks of the UAE, will we see you in the professional peloton in 2024?

DT: It's something that has been rumoured a lot in recent days, I would love to go up to the WorldTourl! These are the best teams and it would be a dream come true, however nothing is certain yet. I have also seen what Javier Ares and Alberto Contador say in the GCN/Eurosport broadcast of the Vuelta a España, just the fact that they mention my name makes me feel very flattered, but unfortunately nothing has been signed. I'm here with my team trying to process what just happened and we'll see what the future holds

GCN: Your participation in France was incredible, why didn't you take advantage of this form at the World Championships in Glasgow?

DT: Honestly, it is not a secret that we do not have a federation in Mexico and as much as I would have liked to be in the World Championships, it was not in my hands. Mexico took the representatives they thought were the best. I supported them and wished them success, but they didn't select me. I just focus on my goals and prepare for them. Fortunately with my team I have been able to be present in other big races and everything is working out.