Del Toro embraces UAE Tour leadership, mentored by Pogacar and challenged by Evenepoel

Del Toro kept things calm in the build-up, but he did confirm that Pogačar has been part of his preparation. “I spoke to him about this race during the training camps,” he said to Cyclingnews. “It’s nice to have some advice from him.” 

Asked what that advice was, he chose not to reveal specifics, leaving the sense that the details are being kept for the moments that matter most later in the week.

While he is now the headline name for UAE, Del Toro framed his own expectations around the uncertainty of a first race day. “I’m feeling the pressure a little bit, but it’s more because it’s my first race,” he said. “I know it is a responsibility, but it’s more like the start of this season.” 

For Del Toro, the leadership is not something he takes lightly, even if he is not treating it as a verdict on his entire year. “It’s something really big to lead the team,” he added. “All the confidence of the team that they put in me is something really special, and I feel privileged to be in this position now.”

That position comes with an immediate measuring stick: Remco Evenepoel. Del Toro spoke openly about the Belgian’s level, setting a respectful tone without backing away from the challenge. “Evenepoel is one of the most complete riders in the new cycling,” he said. “I’m excited to battle everybody. I hope to be at the level, and hopefully we are up there.”

Evenepoel, speaking earlier today, acknowledged the shape of the rivalry too. “On paper, it’s logical that it will be a battle with Isaac,” he said, while also pointing out that stage racing rarely follows a neat script and that others can still play a role in the overall fight.

The race offers several clear checkpoints. The stage 2 individual time trial is likely to set early gaps, especially against a rider like Evenepoel who can turn these individual efforts into real time. After that, the focus shifts to the climbing days, with the new Jebel Mobrah expected to ask questions sooner than usual, before the traditional summit test at Jebel Hafeet.

Tomorrow the race opens with a relatively flat stage from Madinat Zayed Majlis to the uphill drag to Liwa Palace. It is typically one for the sprinters, but the general classification contenders will need to stay alert: the wind can shape the day, and echelons are a real possibility.