Key Tadej Pogacar team-mate Isaac del Toro signs new UAE Team Emirates-XRG contract until 2031 after Tour de France success - 'Feels like home'

Mexican star Isaac del Toro has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will keep him at UAE Team Emirates-XRG until 2031 after dazzling alongside team-mate Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Tour de France last month.

The 22-year-old, whose previous contract ran until 2029, earned a new deal after claiming victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, finishing runner-up at last year’s Giro d’Italia and impressing at the Tour de France.

Indeed, Del Toro was awarded the Tour de France’s white jersey, given to the best young rider, after winning a stage and finishing third in the general classification. 

"This team feels like home," Del Toro said, courtesy of the UAE website. "We share the same ambition, the same passion for racing and the same desire to keep getting better. 

Olympic Games

Pogacar lays out long-term goal but admits it's 'not exactly in the interests of my team'

Yesterday at 22:27

”Signing long-term gives me a lot of confidence because I know I’m in the right place for my future.

"We’ve already achieved some amazing victories together, but I honestly believe the best is still to come. I’m excited to keep growing with this team and fighting for the biggest races in the world.

‘United to the last’ – Pogacar, Del Toro deliver special celebration at finish line

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I’m very happy to continue this journey with UAE Team Emirates-XRG. From the moment I joined the team, everybody has believed in me and given me the best environment to develop as both a rider and a person.

"Every season I’ve learned something new from my team-mates and the people working around me, and I feel that I’m improving all the time."

Del Toro provided support for Tadej Pogacar as the Slovenian racked up a fifth Tour de France title in July. 

And Pogacar hinted during the Tour that Del Toro could become his long-term successor at UAE.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Pogacar said: "Yeah, I will definitely not be doing this for a long time and Isaac has shown great potential.

"But we don’t put any pressure on him. He’s still young, he’s a quick learner, super smart and has a big talent and big engine so let’s see where the road takes us.

"I’m happy to be with him in the team and that we can ride like this together."

Pogacar added that he had "goosebumps" after crossing the line alongside Del Toro on Stage 20.

He continued: "People will talk about how I helped Isaac get the podium, but before that he helped me get the yellow jersey, and the team even more so.

"Today it was an honour to ride for Isaac for the last two hours of the race. I did it gladly and realised how hard it is to ride for someone."

---

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android

Watch and stream the 2026 cycling season, including La Vuelta a Espana, on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Tour de France

Vingegaard reveals rival Pogacar's message after Tour crash

30/07/2026 at 17:56

Tour de France

Van der Poel praise for 'unselfish' Pogacar after pulling off year-long aim in 'dream' finale

27/07/2026 at 13:04