Mexican Isaac del Toro wins Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes, primed to support Pogacar at Tour de France

Mexican rider Isaac del Toro secured the overall victory at the Tour Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes, a prestigious preparation race for the Tour de France. He claimed two consecutive stage wins – first on the Grand Colombier climb and then on the Plateau de Solaison – finishing a minute ahead of Spanish rider Juan Ayuso. Australian Luke Tuckwell, who had worn the yellow jersey, was overtaken by del Toro, who also lifted the second‑place podium.

Del Toro, who finished second in last year’s Giro, will ride as the principal domestique for four‑time champion Tadej Pogacar in the upcoming Tour de France. He said after his win, “Das ist super cool, diesen Sieg geholt zu haben. Das ist unglaublich,” underscoring his confidence heading into the Grand Départ. Team officials view his recent performance as a signal that he could one day succeed Pogacar as Slovenia’s leading rider.

The triumph highlights del Toro’s rising status in the peloton and sets expectations for his role in the forthcoming Tour, where his climbing strength is expected to be a decisive asset for Pogacar’s campaign.