Isaac del Toro was notably absent from the 2026 Amstel Gold Race as Remco Evenepoel powered to victory in the Dutch classic on Sunday. The UAE Team Emirates rider missed the 257.4-kilometer race due to a right thigh muscle tear sustained during the Itzulia Basque Country.

Evenepoel Dominates in Sprint Finish

Remco Evenepoel delivered a commanding performance to win the Amstel Gold Race in a time of 5:59:40. The Belgian champion secured victory with a well-timed sprint finish, adding another prestigious one-day classic to his palmares. Mattias Skjelmose crossed the line in second place, while Benoît Cosnefroy completed the podium in third position.

Del Toro’s Injury Setback

The absence of Isaac del Toro represented a significant blow for UAE Team Emirates’ Ardennes Classics campaign. The Mexican rider had been expected to play a key role in the team’s strategy for the Dutch monument, but the muscle injury sustained in the Basque Country forced him to withdraw from competition. The right thigh muscle tear has sidelined del Toro from what would have been an important race in his spring classics program.

Race Dynamics

The 2026 edition of the Amstel Gold Race unfolded as a tactical battle over the challenging Dutch terrain. Evenepoel’s victory came after he positioned himself perfectly for the final sprint, demonstrating the form that has made him one of cycling’s most versatile champions. The race distance of 257.4 kilometers tested the peloton’s endurance across the rolling hills and short climbs characteristic of the Limburg region.

With del Toro’s enforced absence, UAE Team Emirates will need to reassess their strategy for the remaining Ardennes Classics as they await updates on their rider’s recovery timeline.

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