It’s March 15th. Isaac del Toro has already won two races. UAE Tour against Remco Evenepoel, and now against Primož Roglič, Matteo Jorgenson and Giulio Pellizzari (on his home roads). Against all of them.

The final standings of Tirreno-Adriatico 2026 read: Del Toro, Jorgenson at 40 seconds, Pellizzari at 42. Roglič fifth. Del Toro also took the points jersey and the youth jersey. Near-total domination over seven stages.

The week told the whole story of what Del Toro is as a rider right now. He lost time in the time trial on Day 1, his one acknowledged «weakness». He made it all back and more on the gravel stage to San Gimignano, following Van der Poel’s explosive attack and finishing second to take the race lead. He controlled the race for three days without a wasted effort, losing the maglia azurra one day but getting it back the next. And on the queen stage to Camerino, he waited, watched Pellizzari go, and then destroyed him with 600 meters to go.

That patience. That timing. That ability to absorb pressure and then release everything in one moment. Those are not the qualities of a young rider still learning. Those are the qualities of a champion.

The Tour de France, still to come, with Tadej Pogacar. The rivals who finished behind him this week will be there too, better prepared, with more to prove.

It won’t be easy. But then again, nothing Del Toro has done this year has looked easy for anyone trying to beat him.

Sources: Cyclingnews / EsCiclismo / CyclingUpToDate