Isaac del Toro claims UAE Team Emirates-XRG's 96th and 97th wins of the calendar year – but officially it's the team's first pair for the 2026 season

Isaac del Toro has recorded what is technically UAE Team Emirates-XRG's first win of the 2026 racing season after speeding to the Mexican national time trial title on Thursday. He followed that two days later with a solo victory in the road race.

“It’s been an amazing season, now it’s time for me to take a good break but I’m excited to wear the Mexican champion’s jersey in 2026," he said in a team statement.

Earlier this month, the 21-year-old had recorded UAE's 95th win of the 2025 season at the Giro del Veneto, an all-time record after the squad broke through the 85-win barrier set by HTC-Columbia's in 2009.

They had number 100 in their sights, adding more victories with a dominant run through the Italian autumn Classics, including the Giro dell'Emilia and Gran Piemonte with Del Toro, Coppa Agostoni with Adam Yates, and Il Lombardia with Tadej Pogačar.

However, the official end of the 2025 season came last week on October 19, concluding UAE's 2025 win tally at a mammoth 95. Del Toro's sweep at Mexican Road Nationals are the team's 96th and 97th wins this calendar year, however.

The time trial saw the second-year pro speed to the 20th win of his short career, completing the largely uphill 16.5km course in Valle de Guadalupe 1:13 up on Edgar David Cadena (Petrolike). The final spot on the podium was filled by Eder Framer (Miami Blazers), 1:24 down on Del Toro.

"Today was a beautiful day racing on home roads. It was a very joyous and proud occasion to be able to take the title here," Del Toro said after the win, his 17th of 2025 alongside eight Italian one-day races, the Tour of Austria, Vuelta a Burgos, and a stage of the Giro d'Italia.

“Things came together well for me on the day, and I’m humbled to take the win. It was very windy on the parcours, but I must say I enjoyed every pedal stroke. I couldn’t have asked for any more today, and a big thanks must go to everyone who made it possible to be here."

Del Toro's final outing of the calendar year came in the 161.5km road race, a challenging hilly course around Arena Valle de Guadalupe in the north-west region of Baja California. Del Toro attacked with 6km to go, using the final climb to launch his solo attack for the win, 38 seconds ahead of 2021 winner Eder Frayre (Golden State Blazers).

“It was really windy out on the course, it made the race that bit tougher but I’m proud and happy to take the win. To share it with the people of my home city has been a pleasure. I think I recognised 98% of the crowd out there today, and it felt amazing," the dual road champion said.

“I hope cycling in Mexico can continue to grow. It will take time, of course, but there are a lot of positive things happening, and I hope I can help play a small part in that."