In the world of professional cycling, few comparisons are as flattering—or as bold—as being likened to Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian superstar has quickly cemented himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats, thanks to his thrilling riding style, unmatched versatility, and relentless hunger for victory. So when former professional cyclist and current commentator Adam Blythe recently referred to young Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro as a “younger version of Tadej Pogačar,” it turned heads across the cycling world.
But is there merit to the comparison? And who exactly is Isaac Del Toro?
A Rising Star from Mexico
Isaac Del Toro may still be in the early stages of his professional career, but he’s already making a serious impact. Born in 2003, Del Toro caught the attention of the international cycling community with his outstanding performances in the U23 ranks. His breakthrough came in 2023 when he won the prestigious Tour de l’Avenir, a race often regarded as a launchpad for future Grand Tour champions. Past winners of the race include Pogačar himself, along with other luminaries like Egan Bernal and Nairo Quintana.
Del Toro’s victory was no fluke. He showed tactical intelligence, climbing prowess, and the kind of calm under pressure that belies his age. He didn’t just win stages—he dominated them. His performances were so complete that teams began to view him not just as a promising talent, but as a potential Grand Tour leader in the making.
The Comparison: Del Toro and Pogačar
Adam Blythe, known for his insightful commentary and close ties to the professional peloton, recently made waves when he described Isaac Del Toro as a younger version of Tadej Pogačar. It’s a lofty comparison, but there are some striking similarities between the two riders.
First, both possess an exceptional level of versatility. Like Pogačar, Del Toro is not just a pure climber—he’s an all-rounder. He can time trial, he can sprint from small groups, and he can animate a race from nearly any situation. This multi-dimensional skillset is what sets riders like Pogačar apart from their peers, and it’s why Blythe believes Del Toro could be on a similar trajectory.
Second, there’s the mentality. Pogačar is renowned for his fearless racing style and his willingness to take risks. Del Toro, too, has shown he’s not afraid to attack, to race aggressively, and to think several moves ahead. In the modern era of power meters and tightly controlled tactics, riders who bring unpredictability to the road are rare—and immensely valuable.
The Road Ahead
Of course, it’s important to temper expectations. Pogačar’s rise was meteoric, and he has already achieved what most riders can only dream of—multiple Tour de France victories, Monument wins, and a seemingly limitless ceiling. Del Toro, by contrast, is just beginning his journey at the WorldTour level. As of 2024, he’s signed with UAE Team Emirates—the same team as Pogačar—which will no doubt give him access to world-class support and development opportunities.
Being in the same environment as Pogačar could prove invaluable for Del Toro. Not only will he be able to learn from the best, but he’ll also be able to grow without the immediate pressure of leadership. That said, the team’s decision to bring him in reflects their belief in his long-term potential.
Final Thoughts
Comparing a young rider to a living legend is always risky. The weight of expectations can be heavy, and cycling is full of talented riders who never quite fulfilled their early promise. But when someone like Adam Blythe draws that parallel, it’s worth paying attention. Isaac Del Toro may not yet have the palmarès of Tadej Pogačar, but he has the tools, the mindset, and the momentum to follow in his footsteps.
Time will tell if he can truly live up to the billing. But one thing is clear: Isaac Del Toro is a name we’re going to be hearing a lot more of in the years to come.