Euphoria as Isaac del Toro roars back to win Stage 17 at 2025 Giro d'Italia - 'Like an U7 team scoring first-ever goal'

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Isaac del Toro was dropped on the Mortirolo. Then he won the stage. With 41 seconds now in hand over Richard Carapaz, the Mexican stands four stages away from one of the most unlikely Grand Tour triumphs in recent memory. Just 24 hours after looking vulnerable, the 20-year-old ripped away to Stage 17 victory at the Giro d'Italia as Robbie McEwen and Matt Stephens hailed his latest heroics.

'Viva Mexico!' - Del Toro rips away to Stage 17 victory in latest GC twist

Video credit: TNT Sports

Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) says he has "nothing to lose" as he shoots for an astonishing Giro d’Italia triumph on debut - with just four stages remaining, including two set to erupt in the mountains.

A day after his GC lead was slashed and his grip on pink looked under threat, the Mexican produced a magnificent response on Stage 17, winning in Bormio to spark wild celebrations amongst his team as he reasserted his status as the man to beat.

He's now 41 seconds clear of former champion Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), who also impressed on another lively day in Italy.

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It did not always look likely. Del Toro was briefly distanced on the mighty Mortirolo as Carapaz launched a move alongside Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). But instead of panicking, the 21-year-old rode with maturity beyond his years.

"I predicted with the team that something like this would happen," he said.

"Of course, you don’t want to let all the GC riders go clear. But I took it easy, I put a little bit of pressure on after the descent, then I just tried to relax and recover ahead of the last climb."

By the finish, he had overhauled lone escapee Romain Bardet (Picnic PostNL) and left Carapaz behind with an explosive attack inside the final 1500m on terrain perfectly suited to his punchy style.

'I will never give up' - Del Toro says he has 'nothing to lose' after extending Giro lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I think this is my third or fourth podium in this year’s Giro - it’s incredible," said Del Toro, unaware it was actually his fifth top-three finish.

"Everyone wants this [pink jersey] and today I realised that I will never give up and I will always try and stay one step in front. I have nothing to lose. Today was not easier than yesterday, but I had a better mentality."

Del Toro was meant to be here as a domestique for UAE co-leaders Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates. But Ayuso’s struggles after an early crash and Yates mediocre showing on GC have left the Mexican as the team's unexpected leader and their only realistic hope of pink.

Tuesday’s struggles may explain the sheer euphoria in the UAE camp at Del Toro's win a day later.

"Full grown men being taken back to an U7 soccer team who just scored their first-ever goal," said Robbie McEwen on The Breakaway as he rewatched the UAE celebrations.

"To be on the ropes yesterday, and think, 'Oh no, it could be all over, what a horror day', and then to bounce back like this."

Matt Stephens added: "His weakness is on the longer climbs, but he didn’t lose much on the Mortirolo. And then… wow. What a turnaround. That was a stage for the ages.

"This young lad is so classy, but I don’t even think his team expected that today. The spirit of this lad is inspirational."

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