Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro achieved his first victory of the year by winning the opening stage of the UAE Tour 2026, making an impressive sprint that secured him the overall lead. The stage, which took place between Madinat Zayed Majlis and Liwa Palace, was shortened to 118 kilometers due to high winds, with Del Toro completing it in a time of 2:30:56 hours and an average speed of 46.9 km/h. His strategic sprint in the final stretch allowed him to overtake notable competitors like Dutch cyclist Cees Bol and Italian Antonio Tiberi, who rounded out the podium.

The race saw an unexpected turn when pre-race favorite Jonathan Milan suffered a fall near the finish line, which took him out of contention for the victory despite his efforts to rejoin the race. Del Toro's performance was particularly impressive as he surpassed Remco Evenepoel, a strong contender for the title, finishing within the same group but edging him out in timing. This victory not only serves as a testament to Del Toro's capabilities but also sets a dynamic stage for the rest of the competition as the UAE Tour progresses.

As Del Toro leads the UAE Tour, this achievement highlights the rising talent in Mexican cycling and has implications for future races. The support from his team, UAE Team Emirates, and the performance of other competitors will be crucial in the upcoming stages. Del Toro's win could inspire young athletes in Mexico and provide momentum for greater representation in international cycling events, especially as he aims for continued success in this prestigious tour.