Isaac del Toro delivered a solid performance in Stage 16’s individual time trial, finishing fifth and crucially maintaining his third position in the Tour de France general classification. The UAE Team Emirates rider crossed the line 1:21 behind stage winner Remco Evenepoel on the 26.1-kilometer course from Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains.

Evenepoel Dominates Time Trial

Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe delivered a masterclass performance, setting the fastest time at every intermediate checkpoint to claim victory in 32:19. The Belgian time trial specialist extended his advantage throughout the technical lakeside course, finishing 28 seconds ahead of yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogacar.

Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates teammate managed to limit his losses on a day that favored the pure time trialists, while Mattias Skjelmose rounded out the podium in third place, 1:04 behind Evenepoel.

Del Toro’s Consistent Ride

The Mexican climber’s fifth-place finish demonstrated his growing versatility as a Grand Tour contender. Despite the time trial not being his strongest discipline, del Toro’s performance was sufficient to preserve his podium position in the overall standings heading into the final week of racing.

Lipowitz Abandons After Crash

The stage was marred by a significant crash involving Florian Lipowitz, who went down in a right-hand curve during his effort. The Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider was unable to continue and was forced to abandon the Tour de France, dealing a blow to his team’s ambitions.

With the time trial complete, attention now turns to the mountain stages ahead, where del Toro will look to defend his general classification position as the race enters its decisive final phase.