It will be a delicate task for Isaac Del Toro this week at the UAE Tour 2026. The Mexican is called to lead the home team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, in one of the most important races of the year for them. And here, when the cannibal Tadej Pogačar is not around, the team has always struggled quite a bit. The most recent memory is from 2024, when designated captains Brandon McNulty and Jay Vine fell apart climbing towards Jebel Hafeet, depriving the team of having at least one rider in the final Top 10, which is extremely rare for them.

Of course, on the talent scale, Del Toro doesn't seem to have much to do with the two aforementioned riders, although they are very strong. For his part, the Mexican doesn't want to make proclamations and, as always, is brief before the race. The first thing to do is to get the engine back to full capacity, since this is also his first seasonal outing. "There's a bit of pressure and responsibility, but we're all aware that this is my first race of the season, so we don't really know what to expect".

To beat this Evenepoel, however, one will already need to be brilliant: "Remco is the favorite, even just for the palmares he brings with him - admits the Mexican national champion. Obviously, I'll do my best to make it difficult for him, we'll see how I'm physically, but the hope is definitely to be at the front fighting with the best. The winter went well, I also did a good training block in Mexico, so I hope to get good responses".

His 2025 speaks of 18 victories, an impressive haul for a rider in his second year as a professional. As it was for Tadej Pogačar a few years ago, the impression is that this guy still has a lot to show: "I'm grateful to the team for the opportunity they're giving me and for the confidence they show me every day. Last year was an incredible season, but I know there's still something to adjust and improve. Tadej? I talk to him, we've also discussed this race, but I certainly won't tell you what he tells me".