From Ensenada to Italy: Isaac del Toro Paints the Giro Pink
If you needed a reason to scream “¡Viva Ensenada!” today, here it is. Isaac del Toro, a 21-year-old cyclist from Ensenada, Baja California, is wearing the pink jersey at one of the most prestigious races in the world: the Giro d’Italia.
Not familiar with the Giro? Imagine the Tour de France, but with more pasta, sharper hills, and Italian fans shouting things you don’t understand but somehow love. It’s one of cycling’s three “Grand Tours,” and Isaac is currently leading it.
That’s right. Not participating. Leading. And not just by a little.
From Baja to the Big Leagues
Isaac didn’t just show up. He’s earned every second of that lead. With mountain legs of steel and a calm head on chaotic roads, he’s currently 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Britain’s Simon Yates. Not far behind is his own UAE Team Emirates teammate, Juan Ayuso.
The race started on May 9 in Albania (yes, Albania), and will end June 1 in Rome. Between those two cities? 21 grueling stages and over 3,500 km of pure madness: cobblestones, climbs, descents, and enough drama to fill an Italian soap opera.
What Makes This Huge?
Simple. No Mexican has ever worn the pink jersey this long. Ever.
Not in a sport dominated by Europeans. Not in a race where altitude, weather, and road gradient are designed to break you. Isaac isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving.
And if you think this is a lucky break, think again. Back in 2023, he won the Tour de l’Avenir, aka “The Tour de France for future stars.” That was the first time a Mexican even came close to winning it. Now, he’s got a shot at making history on an even bigger stage.
The Team Is All In
UAE Team Emirates isn’t playing it safe. They’ve gone all-in on the Ensenadense. The team director, Joxean Fernández Matxin, didn’t mince words:
“Isaac has shown he’s the strongest in the race. He’s earned that jersey.”
Isaac, always the calm one, says he’s in the best shape of his life. And it shows. He’s already survived vicious climbs, brutal pace attacks, and the pressure of leading one of cycling’s toughest events.
But nothing quite matched the moment his mom appeared at the podium, full of tears and pride, waving a massive Mexican flag and probably making every viewer sob into their espresso.
A Win for Baja and Beyond
For us in Baja California—especially Ensenada—this isn’t just about sports. It’s a global mic drop. We export wine, we export sea urchins, and now we export world-class cyclists.
And let’s be real: how often does someone from your hometown lead a historic Italian race while draped in pink?
So whether you’re a casual fan, a Sunday cyclist, or someone who just likes seeing Mexicans win on the world stage, Isaac’s ride is one to follow.
The Final Push
With a week left in the Giro, nothing is guaranteed. The Alps are coming. So are the attacks. But if there’s one thing we know about Isaac del Toro, it’s this:
He doesn’t just ride—he climbs, he calculates, and he conquers.
We’ll be watching, cheering, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to pronounce “maglia rosa” properly.
🗞️ Watch the emotional moment with Isaac’s mom
