Illness and a corrupt National Cycling Federation: Del Toro's father opens up about his son's tough road to the top

It was clear early on that Del Toro had enormous talent. But in his younger years, he faced considerable difficulties. "People don't know that he had osteoporosis (bone loss, reduction in bone mass, ed.) for years and had a crack in his jaw,” his father José told Katy Lopez. “That's all because he worked so hard; he needed medication and supplements that were very expensive because the body of a top athlete is not powered by beans alone."

The illness was difficult, especially for a young athlete. It suddenly made his chances of becoming a professional even slimmer than they already were. The Mexican Cycling Federation didn't do anything to help, even though now they're trying to make amends with their star athlete. "He spent a lot of money on consultations, medication, supplements, studies... Isaac always dreamed of representing his country, and I am proud of him, but it hurts to hear this; it's scandalous..."

The Mexican cycling federation has never supported young riders, says the father of the man who rode in pink for 11 days. "They always talk about the millions that are invested, but I don't know a single rider who got his travel expenses reimbursed, his registration fee or even his meals,” says Del Toro senior. “I struggled enormously with my children and never got any help. It felt like I had to beg."

Del Toro senior recounts an anecdote from the 2022 World Cyclo-cross Championships. His son was supposed to compete in the U23 category, but finding a bike was challenging. Once in the US, Del Toro was almost laughed at because of the condition of his bike. In the end, he even had to race on a borrowed bike because it turned out that the bike sent by the federation was for a woman.

The situation at the National Cycling Federation is dire. In 2021, it was suspended by the UCI for ‘serious violations’ relating to administrative processes and internal elections. "Mexico is the only country where they sell a new license every year. Everywhere else in the world, your number is for life so that the UCI can keep track of your entire career. That's why no one knows anything about Mexican cyclists." Currently, the Mexican Olympic Committee is responsible for registering athletes for international competitions such as the World Championships.

Del Toro senior is delighted that his son has risen above the mess of Mexican cycling, but he sees that the problem persists. "I know I'm nobody, and nothing is going to change. But when I hear what is being said now, I feel enormous frustration. Thousands of memories come bubbling up, and I feel the most pain for the young riders, Isaac's teammates, who have already quit. Because, honestly, continuing in this sport is almost impossible."