Mexican cycling returned to the spotlight in 2025 thanks to a young rider whose rise has reshaped the sport’s national narrative. For that reason, San Diego Red has named Isaac del Toro its Athlete of the Year.
Born on November 27, 2003, in Ensenada, Baja California, Isaac del Toro Romero began competing at an early age, quickly standing out in youth and junior cycling events across Mexico.
One of his first major results came in 2019 at Mexico’s National Olympiad, organized by the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), where he earned a silver medal in the Junior B individual time trial.
International breakthrough
Del Toro’s international ascent began in 2023. In June, he finished second at the Peace Race in the Czech Republic, signaling his arrival on the European scene. A month later, he added two podium finishes, placing third at the Tour of Sibiu in Romania and third overall at Italy’s Giro della Valle d’Aosta.
On August 27, Del Toro made history by becoming the first Mexican cyclist to win the Tour de l’Avenir in France. He secured the overall title after a dramatic comeback and swept every classification: overall, points, mountains, and best young rider.
Professional success and historic milestones
Momentum carried into 2024, when Del Toro claimed his first professional title with UAE Team Emirates at the 66th edition of the Vuelta a Asturias.
But 2025 marked a true turning point. In May, he delivered a breakthrough performance at the Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Mexican cyclist to wear the iconic pink jersey (Maglia Rosa) after excelling in one of the race’s most demanding stages.
After holding the race lead for 11 days, Del Toro finished second overall at just 21 years old, setting a new benchmark for Mexican cycling.
Success continued throughout the summer. In July, he dominated the Tour of Austria, winning three consecutive stages and capturing the overall title. The following month, he became the first Mexican rider to win Spain’s Circuito de Getxo, a 172.2-kilometer race considered a staple of the European calendar.
Later in August, Del Toro added another milestone by winning the Vuelta a Burgos, becoming the first Mexican champion in one of Europe’s most prestigious stage races on the UCI ProSeries calendar.
Writing history in Europe and at home
In September, Del Toro continued rewriting cycling history by becoming the first Latin American cyclist to win the Premio Industria & Artigianato in Italy’s Tuscany region, marking his tenth victory of the season.
The final months of 2025 brought both victories and recognition. He claimed the Gran Piemonte, one of Italy’s classic one-day races, with a solo attack between Dogliani and Acqui Terme.
Returning home, Del Toro reaffirmed his national dominance by winning the Elite Men’s Individual Time Trial at the 2025 Mexican National Cycling Championships in Ensenada. Days later, he secured the National Road Race title after conquering the demanding 160-kilometer course through the Valle de Guadalupe.
National recognition and what’s next
Del Toro’s historic season concluded with the 2025 National Sports Award, presented by Mexico’s Ministry of Education and CONADE. He received the honor alongside 15 other Mexican athletes in a ceremony led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Looking ahead, 2026 will bring new challenges. Del Toro is set to make his Tour de France debut with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, joining a roster that includes multiple-time champion Tadej Pogačar. He has also outlined his path toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
At just 21 years old, Isaac del Toro has already established himself as one of the greatest cyclists Mexico has ever produced. And by all indications, his story is only beginning.
