As a result of various circumstances, but also a strong effort, 21-year-old Mexican Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) has emerged as the overall leader of the Giro d'Italia.
Del Toro's achievement is extraordinary - he is the first 21-year-old rider since Beppe Saronni in 1979 to hold the pink jersey for so long. Damiano Cunego emerged unexpectedly to win the Giro in 2004 at just 22. The youngest overall winner, however, is Fausto Coppi, who won the Giro in 1940 at just 20 years old.
Although he still underestimates his chances of winning the overall, del Toro admitted that could change if he is still in the pink jersey next Tuesday, after the big mountain stage to San Valentino near Trento.
Del Toro seems to be enjoying every moment of his time wearing the maglia rosa. He is in excellent form, sprinting for bonus seconds and defending his lead over teammate and potential rival Juan Ayuso. However, experts are skeptical that del Toro can hold onto the lead for the rest of the Giro.
"Why not?" the person involved answered reporters sincerely. "If others believe in me but I don't, that's a problem. This is my dream and I'm working towards it. Every day I tell myself that it's incredible. No one can tell you when you're ready to get there, but I believe in myself. I'm the new guy here, so I have to learn quickly and do things better. Maybe I'm not a favorite on paper, so I have to be smart."
The Giro ends next Sunday, with del Toro predicting Tuesday's mountain stage will be key. In any case, UAE Team Emirates - XRG is in a strong position, with del Toro trailing 38 seconds behind teammate Juan Ayuso. The overall standings are tight, with the top 13 all within 3 minutes.
Extending his lead in pink with his mother Dora watching on 🥹🫂 #GirodItalia
— @UAE-TeamEmirates (@TeamEmiratesUAE) May 23, 2025
El Torito, @ISAACDELTOROx1 , is enjoying the longest spell in the Maglia Rosa by any 21-year-old since Giuseppe Saronni in 1979 🐂🩷 #WeAreUAE pic.twitter.com/4rlN1ewugn
👋 Torito in pink #GirodItalia #WeAreUAE pic.twitter.com/WKt3Y1ZefK
— @UAE-TeamEmirates (@TeamEmiratesUAE) May 23, 2025
