‘I don’t see any ceiling’ - Matxin bold about Del Toro’s star potential

Joxean Fernández 'Matxin', Sports Manager of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, has revealed plans to give rising star Isaac del Toro increased responsibility in 2026 after the Mexican’s breakout 2025 season went far beyond what anyone anticipated.

"He's exceeded all our expectations. Even mine, though I'm the most optimistic person when it comes to my riders," Matxin told Eurosport Spain. "The goal was to win 10 races this year; it was ambitious, but he's won more."

It was a season where Del Toro claimed 16 victories, third to only his teammate Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep), in that department, and it was the dominant manner of many of his wins which was most impressive. With a second-place finish at the Giro d’Italia, a stage win and a stint in the pink jersey, the 21-year-old’s performances naturally convinced UAE to grant him more responsibility for 2026.

"He's going to take another step forward," explained Matxin. "Not him, but we'll give it to him in terms of responsibility and trust, because he's earned it on his own merits on the road. He'll have a better calendar in terms of the quality of the field."

When asked about Del Toro's ceiling, Matxin admitted he is unsure where the limitations of his potential are. "I don't see any ceiling. This year, wanting to be optimistic and ambitious, I asked him to win 10 races, and he won 16."

The sporting director also praised Del Toro's selflessness, highlighting how the Mexican gifted teammate Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) a maiden professional victory in the Prueba Villafranca - Ordiziako Klasika, when the duo crossed the finish line side by side, something that gave Matxin "immense satisfaction."

On whether Del Toro can thrive alongside triple Grand Tour winner Tadej Pogačar, Matxin was equally clear, stating, "I can assure you it's much better to race alongside Tadej than against him."

Regarding Juan Ayuso's high-profile transfer to Lidl-Trek, Matxin maintained he has "a truly good relationship" with the Spaniard despite tensions between the team and rider. 

"I think Juan wasn't fortunate in his statements, but he's a rider I wish the best for," said Matxin, who revealed he "always tried to get him to stay" but ultimately believes "the agreement we reached was the best for both the rider and both teams."

Matxin acknowledged Ayuso’s talent and ability, with the Spaniard taking eight victories, including three Grand Tour stages, in what has been a turbulent season.

Obviously, he's a rival. I know he's going to be an impressive cyclist, and I hope he wins races, but I hope he doesn't beat us in any," Matxin said. "He's one of the best riders in the world."

While expecting Ayuso to become 'one of the most important riders on the Lidl-Trek team,' Matxin emphasised his focus remains on his own team.

"It's not something that worries me, honestly. Not because I'm not worried about Juan, but because I have to put together the squad and I want to focus on what I can talk about,” Matxin concluded.