Is Del Toro the top favourite because Pogacar is absent? ‘Actually, I'd rather Tadej were here’

Eder Frayre, Edgar David Cadena, Ulises Alfredo Castillo, José Antonio Escarcega, and Carlos Alfonso García. You’ll be forgiven if those names don’t ring a bell. Del Toro will have to tread carefully with these five players. “We don’t have the strongest team, so we really have to be smart. I could tell you my plan, but it might change.”

A cyclist races in his country’s colors during the world championships, but for the rest of the year, they race for brand teams. So it’s no surprise that some alliances are formed. Del Toro has already been spotted training with his UAE teammates Felix Grossschartner and Brandon McNulty. And he’ll encounter more strong teammates in Canada.

But, of course, the strongest rider is missing. With Pogacar out, Del Toro is now being touted as one of the top favorites, especially after his victory in the GP Montréal. “Actually, I’d rather have Tadej here,” he counters. “I always enjoy it when the strongest rider in the world competes in the race, and we’ll definitely miss him—but if I’m feeling good, I’d like to approach the race to my advantage.”

The UAE presence surrounding Del Toro goes beyond just a few foreign teammates. Tomas Gil is the Venezuelan national team coach for Mexico and team director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Dr. Adrian Rotunno is also assisting the Mexican team in Canada. “I was also with Team Mexico in Kigali last year, and I’m here for other riders on Team UAE as well, but first and foremost, I’m trying to make sure Isaac can start the road race under the best possible conditions,” he told HLN.

For Del Toro, it’s nice to have familiar faces around him. That way, he can be at his best for the title race. His status as the favorite? He just laughs it off. “It’s always nice to be at the top, but I don’t let it go to my head. A lot of people from Mexico travel all the way here to watch this race. They really make me feel privileged. I don’t feel like I’m anyone special, but they make me feel different.”