Better than Pogacar? UAE-talent praises Del Toro’s confidence: ‘Unlike any rider I’ve seen’

There is currently no team in the world with more depth than UAE Team Emirates – XRG. With Tadej Pogacar, Isaac Del Toro, João Almeida and many others, it’s no surprise the squad has dominated for the past two seasons. But the team is also looking to the future, and Pablo Torres is one of the young jewels being given time to grow.

As an 18-year-old climber, he made a huge impression at the 2024 Tour de l’Avenir, where he shattered Chris Froome’s record on the Colle delle Finestre. UAE Team Emirates – XRG decided to give the young Spaniard a chance at the highest level, after he had already impressed in the development team. But his first year among the elite was a challenging one.

“My first season in the WorldTour was a bit complicated because it was such a big step,” Torres told Marca. “It didn’t always go as well as I’d hoped, but it was also a season in which I learned a lot. I enjoyed it and I’ve grown as a cyclist. I’m really looking forward to starting the next season.”

This winter, the young rider hopes to make another step toward the top level. “This is a good moment to add strength training so I can become a more explosive rider. I believe you shouldn’t focus on just one thing, but try to improve everything — especially your weaknesses, which for me is explosiveness.”

To help him with that, Torres works with Javier Sola — coach of, among others, Tadej Pogacar. “He’s a very good coach and one of the best in the world, as shown by his work with Tadej Pogacar. I’m happy to work with him because we really collaborate and enjoy each other’s company. He’s one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the world, so you always have to listen to him.”

That same Pogacar has already become something of a mentor to Torres. “For me it’s a dream come true to race with him,” the young Spaniard said enthusiastically. “Since I started cycling, I’ve watched him on TV and he has always been my idol. It’s a real pleasure to race with him and help him win as much as possible.”

Torres rode alongside the world champion in Tre Valli Varesine, a race Pogacar also won. He knows better than most what it feels like to be under pressure as a top-level talent. “He gives advice, but he mainly focuses on offering specific tips for the races we both take part in. In general, his most important advice is to take it easy and enjoy cycling.”

But the young Spaniard is even more impressed by Isaac Del Toro. “He’s currently one of my favourite riders. He is incredibly strong. Above all, he has a confidence I’ve seen in very few cyclists, and a race intelligence that no one else his age has, in my opinion. He’s a rider who always positions himself well and knows exactly how to save every gram of energy. In the future, Isaac will become one of the best riders in the world — maybe even the best.”

And what about Torres himself? He still doesn’t know what his season will look like. But he hopes a Grand Tour is on the programme. “I would love that. It would be great to ride a Grand Tour, but there are many riders on the team who also need to be there, and spots are limited. We’ll see — once they give me my schedule, I’ll know.”