Isaac del Toro delivered a sensational performance on Stage 9 of the 2026 Tour de France, attacking from a breakaway and holding off the chasing favourites to win by 1 minute and 12 seconds. The 22-year-old Mexican rider from UAE Team Emirates crossed the finish line in the Pyrenees ahead of a group containing Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard.
Breakaway masterclass
Del Toro was part of an early breakaway that built a lead of over five minutes. As the peloton approached the final climb, the Col de la Core, the favourites began to accelerate. However, del Toro maintained his composure and pushed on alone, extending his advantage on the descent. He crossed the line in Saint-Lary-Soulan with arms raised in triumph.
According to race commentators, it was the first stage win of del Toro's career at the Tour de France. Pogacar, the race leader, finished second in the chasing group, while Evenepoel and Vingegaard came in third and fourth respectively.
Impact on general classification
The stage reshuffled the general classification. Pogacar retained the yellow jersey, but his lead over Vingegaard was cut by 12 seconds due to time bonuses. Evenepoel moved up to third overall, 45 seconds behind Pogacar. Del Toro's victory propelled him into the top 20, 8 minutes down on the leader.
"I can't believe it. This is a dream come true," del Toro said after the stage. "The team believed in me, and I just gave everything. To beat riders like Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Vingegaard is incredible."
Reactions from rivals
Pogacar praised the young Mexican's performance. "Isaac was very strong today. He deserved the win. We tried to catch him, but he was just too good on the descent," the Slovenian said. Evenepoel added, "It was a hard stage. Del Toro took a big risk and it paid off. We have to respect that."
The Tour de France continues with Stage 10, a flat stage expected to favour the sprinters. The battle for the yellow jersey remains tight as the race heads into the Alps next week.
