Background and Childhood
Isaac del Toro Romero was born on 27 November 2003 in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Raised in a close-knit family, he grew up surrounded by bicycles and road races, with parents and relatives passionate about the sport. Early on, Isaac explored various cycling disciplines, including mountain biking and cyclocross, before focusing on road cycling. His first coach, JosĂ© AscensiĂłn âDon Chonâ Acevedo, helped guide his first structured training sessions as a child. Known for rewarding his young athletes with popcorn after each session, Don Chon helped instill joy and consistency in Isaacâs early cycling habits.
From a young age, Isaac showed discipline, energy, and determination. His cheerful nature and enthusiasm earned him the nickname âToritoâ (little bull). Family outings, sibling rivalries, and long weekend rides shaped his early development. At just 14, Isaac asked his parents for one year to fully commit to cycling. They agreed â a pivotal decision that set him on the path to a professional career. The family made many sacrifices, bearing the costs of equipment and travel without institutional support. Isaac also overcame early health challenges due to overtraining and poor nutrition, proving his resilience and dedication.
Early Cycling Years
Del Toro began competing in local and national youth races across Baja California. He gained recognition with a silver medal at the National Olympics in 2019 in the individual time trial category. That same year, he reached out to the Italian-Mexican development team A.R. Monex and was invited to join their junior program. In 2021, he moved to Europe, where he adapted to elite racing environments while representing A.R. Monex in U19 and U23 competitions.
In 2022, Isaac qualified to represent Mexico at the UCI MTB World Championships but faced logistical hardships with the national team â including poor equipment and lack of food. Despite these setbacks, he finished 20th, the second-best result from the Americas. Later that year, he suffered a severe crash during the Tour de lâAvenir, breaking his femur and damaging an artery. After months of recovery, Isaac asked for one more year to chase his dream. In 2023, he returned stronger than ever, ready to prove himself on the European stage.
U23 Career and Tour de lâAvenir
Isaacâs comeback in 2023 was nothing short of remarkable. He finished second overall at the Course de la Paix U23, and placed third at both the Sibiu Cycling Tour and the Giro della Valle dâAosta â three highly competitive stage races. These podiums confirmed his potential as a future star in stage racing.
Later that summer, he made history by winning the 2023 Tour de lâAvenir, often considered the âTour de France for U23 riders.â Isaac not only claimed the overall victory but also dominated the points, mountain, and youth classifications. He became the first Mexican to win the race and one of the few riders in its history to win all major jerseys. His aggressive yet intelligent racing style captured attention worldwide, and he was immediately seen as a Grand Tour prospect.
That same year, he also represented Mexico at the UCI U23 World Championships in Zurich, finishing 6th in the road race and 12th in the time trial â both record results for Mexico in that category. By the end of 2023, Isaac had secured a professional contract with UAE Team Emirates for the 2024 season, joining one of the top teams in the WorldTour.
Professional Debut and 2024 Season
Isaac joined UAE Team Emirates in 2024 at the age of 20. He made an immediate impact in his first pro race â the Down Under Classic â where he finished third. Days later, he won Stage 2 of the Tour Down Under with a solo attack and went on to finish third overall, also taking the young rider classification. It was an exceptional start for a neo-pro in the WorldTour.
He continued to impress with strong performances throughout spring, including fourth overall at TirrenoâAdriatico and seventh at the Tour of the Basque Country. In May, he claimed his first stage race victory by winning the Vuelta a Asturias, where he also secured a stage win, the points jersey, and the youth classification. These results demonstrated his climbing ability and consistency in multi-day events.
Later that year, he made his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a España. Although he wasnât targeting the general classification, he completed all 21 stages and earned the combativity award on Stage 19. He closed the year by winning the Mexican National Road and Time Trial Championships, becoming a double national champion. With three professional victories and multiple podiums, Isaacâs rookie season firmly established him as one of the sportâs most promising young talents.
2025 Season: Grand Tour Breakthrough and Monumental Wins
In 2025, Isaac del Toro delivered a sensational season that confirmed his status as a rising star. The highlight came at the Giro dâItalia, where he took the race lead on Stage 9 and wore the Maglia Rosa for 11 days â a first for any Mexican rider. On Stage 17, he won a dramatic mountain stage and ultimately finished second overall, becoming the first Mexican to podium in a Grand Tour. He also claimed the white jersey as best young rider.
His Giro success captivated fans in Mexico and earned him widespread praise. Celebrations erupted in Ensenada and Mexico City, where fans paraded with pink flags in tribute. Del Toroâs name became a symbol of national pride, and cyclingâs popularity surged across the country.
He continued his winning streak throughout the year. He took overall victories at the Vuelta a Burgos and the Tour of Austria, where he also won multiple stages and classification jerseys. In the autumn, he dominated the one-day classics with wins in MilanoâTorino, Giro dellâEmilia, Gran Piemonte, Coppa Sabatini, and Giro del Veneto. He closed the year with 18 professional victories â an extraordinary tally â and top-five finishes at the UCI Road World Championships in both the time trial and road race.
Rider Profile: Style, Strengths, and Mindset
Isaac is best known as a talented climber with the potential to become a Grand Tour contender. With a lean physique and aggressive race instincts, he excels on long ascents but also performs well in time trials â a rare combination. He races with confidence and tactical intelligence, often attacking from distance or timing solo moves with precision. His adaptability also allows him to win hilly classics and stage races.
Mentally, he is disciplined, humble, and eager to learn. Teammates describe him as dedicated and approachable. He credits his success to early lessons from his coaches and family, and often reflects on failures as opportunities to improve. Despite his rising fame, Isaac remains grounded and focused on continuous growth.
Media Impact and Recognition
Isaacâs achievements have made headlines across Mexico and the cycling world. His Giro podium sparked national celebrations and led to widespread media coverage, including tributes from the President of Mexico. He was awarded the 2025 National Sports Prize. International outlets such as LâĂquipe, Marca, and Velo praised his talent, likening him to modern greats like Tadej PogaÄar.
He has become a role model for young athletes, inspiring a surge in youth participation in Mexican cycling. Known for his humility and charisma, he has built a strong fanbase across cultures and continues to grow in global recognition.
Personal Life and Outlook
Despite his demanding schedule, Isaac remains close to his family in Ensenada and returns home when possible. He enjoys simple pleasures like riding with old friends, visiting his childhood school, and sharing meals with loved ones. He speaks Spanish, English, and basic Italian, and plans to pursue further education in the future.
Off the bike, he stays out of the spotlight, focusing on training, family, and occasional youth outreach. Isaac lives by the values of humility, resilience, and purpose â a mindset that continues to guide him as he builds one of the most exciting careers in modern cycling.
Note: This biography is current as of the end of 2025 and can be updated as new achievements unfold.