Overview
- Del Toro finished third overall and claimed the maillot blanco for best young rider at the 2026 Tour de France, becoming the first Mexican to stand on the race podium after three weeks of competition in late July.
- He rode the final week while battling a virus that he and UAE Team Emirates-XRG kept private for several days to protect his podium standing.
- Tadej Pogačar played a decisive role in defending Del Toro’s position on the penultimate mountain stages by controlling attacks and setting pace for his teammate.
- Del Toro’s performance brought reported prize earnings of about €154,500 and a jump in his UCI points to roughly 5,169.71, prompting renewed sponsor activity from groups tied to A.R. MONEX and other backers.
- Mexican lawmakers and the president have offered official recognition and a reception at Palacio Nacional, and the result is already changing the national conversation about athlete funding, talent pathways, and cycling’s place in Mexico after earlier career milestones such as his 2023 Tour de l’Avenir win and a 2025 Giro podium.