
UAE Emirates continues to amaze, but this time it was Isaac Del Toro who surprised everyone, making the pink jersey of race leader his own in the Siena stage.
Everyone was expecting Ayuso, who has already won a stage, but surprisingly, the twenty-one-year-old Mexican snatched the pink jersey from Primoz Roglic's shoulders.
"I don't believe I am the team leader" - Del Toro wanted to emphasize - "I trust the team, particularly Adam and Ayuso, who have demonstrated before me that they are ready to achieve the great feat of three weeks. Of course, I'm in a good position now, but I don't believe I'm the leader".
Ayuso fell behind today and despite his teammates' help, he couldn't get back to the front, and for this reason, the green light was given to the Mexican. The finale saw Del Toro racing ahead with Van Aert attached to his wheel, and despite the request to collaborate, the Belgian decided to stay behind.
"I asked him to pull, but in the end he didn't do it, but obviously I understand. Certainly, we thought about doing our best and I have no regrets. I trained well and went all out on the last two climbs, but I couldn't win".
In two days, there will be the time trial in Pisa, and once again, the Mexican will have to measure himself against Van Aert. "It's difficult to say what can be done and one must always aim to do their best. Of course, I hope to be ready, but surely this will be the longest time trial I've ever tried to do. We'll see if I'll be good enough".