Isaac del Toro provided the fireworks at the 2026 ADAC Cyclassics, launching a brutal attack on the final Waseberg ascent that split the peloton, though Paul Magnier ultimately claimed victory in the sprint finish in Hamburg on Sunday.

Del Toro’s Aggressive Racing

The UAE Team Emirates rider faced adversity early in the 205.3-kilometer race when he crashed after getting tangled with a soigneur’s bag at 100 kilometers from the finish. Undeterred, del Toro continued and became the race’s main animator on the challenging Waseberg climbs.

With 16 kilometers remaining, del Toro launched a devastating attack on the final ascent of the Waseberg, the race’s signature 0.7-kilometer climb at 9.4% gradient. His acceleration reduced the leading group to approximately 50 riders, setting up the decisive selection for the finale.

Sprint Finish Decides Victory

Despite del Toro’s aggressive racing throughout the four ascents of the Waseberg, the Mexican rider could not maintain his advantage into the final kilometers. Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step proved strongest in the reduced bunch sprint, claiming victory in 4 hours, 17 minutes, and 55 seconds.

Mike Teunissen (XDS Astana Team) secured second place, with Laurence Pithie (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) completing the podium in third. Del Toro, while missing out on a top-10 finish, demonstrated his climbing prowess and tactical acumen on one of the WorldTour’s most challenging one-day races.

Race Dynamics

The ADAC Cyclassics’ demanding course, featuring four passages over the steep Waseberg climb, proved decisive in shaping the race outcome. Del Toro’s attacks on these climbs created the crucial selections that prevented a large bunch sprint, ultimately setting up Magnier’s victory from the reduced group.

Top 10 Final Result