Del Toro Shocks Sprinters to Win Stage 1 at UAE Tour 2026

Mexican sensation Isaac del Toro delivered a stunning upset on the opening stage of the 2026 UAE Tour on Monday, outmaneuvering a field of seasoned sprinters and validating his status as one of cycling’s brightest young talents.

Riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, del Toro powered to victory in a sprint finish in Liwa Palace, completing the 118km stage – shortened from its original 144km due to high winds – ahead of Cees Bol of Decathlon CMA CGM and Antonio Tiberi of Bahrain Victorious. The 22-year-old’s aggressive acceleration on the slightly uphill drag to the finish line proved decisive, catching many of the pure sprinters off guard.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s crazy,” del Toro said after the race. “I don’t know exactly [how it happened] but I just see the chance and I don’t want to regret it.”

The victory is particularly noteworthy given the challenging conditions and the caliber of riders del Toro defeated. The stage was initially designed to feature two laps of a cycle track in the Moreeb dunes, but those were scrapped for safety reasons due to the strong winds. Despite the altered course, a high-speed bunch finish was anticipated, making del Toro’s late attack all the more impressive.

Del Toro’s triumph echoes a similar scenario from last year’s race, where teammate Tadej Pogačar attempted a comparable move on the same Liwa Palace finish but ultimately fell short. This victory suggests del Toro may be poised to follow in Pogačar’s footsteps and contend for the overall title.

The race wasn’t without its drama. Jonathan Milan, widely considered a pre-race favorite, suffered a heavy crash approximately 1,500 meters from the finish line. While Milan was able to complete the stage, he sustained injuries to his elbow, hip, and knee, according to Lidl-Trek, and will be monitored closely. The team confirmed no fractures were sustained.

Del Toro’s win earns him the red leader’s jersey heading into Tuesday’s 12km individual time trial, a discipline expected to favor Remco Evenepoel. Del Toro currently holds a 10-second advantage over Evenepoel, thanks to bonus seconds earned at the finish line.

The Mexican rider’s performance underscores his growing reputation as a formidable competitor. Having finished second in last year’s Giro d’Italia, del Toro is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional cycling. His aggressive riding style and willingness to take risks were on full display Monday, signaling a potentially breakthrough season.

“Nothing made me think this was for me rather than sprinters,” del Toro explained. “I just saw the chance and didn’t want to regret. I just saw the chance, and went full.”

The absence of two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who withdrew from the race due to a recent crash and illness, opens up opportunities for other contenders. However, Evenepoel remains the clear favorite in the time trial, and his performance on Tuesday will be crucial in determining the overall race leader.

Del Toro’s unexpected victory on stage 1 has injected an immediate dose of excitement into the 2026 UAE Tour, setting the stage for a compelling battle throughout the week. The young Mexican’s aggressive tactics and unwavering determination suggest he is a rider to watch closely, not just in this race, but for years to come.