Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country after stage three crash

Isaac del Toro, the promising Mexican rider for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, was forced to abandon the Itzulia Basque Country race following a crash during the third stage. The incident occurred with approximately 83 kilometres remaining to the finish in Basauri, where Del Toro was among several riders who went down. Despite initially attempting to continue after remounting his bike, he ultimately retired to the team car due to injuries sustained in the fall. Del Toro entered the stage in eighth place overall, trailing the leader Paul Seixas by 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Having secured victories at the UAE Tour in February and Tirreno-Adriatico last month, he was widely regarded as a strong contender for the race title. The extent of his injuries has yet to be officially disclosed by UAE Team Emirates-XRG, though footage showed him limping with visible abrasions and torn cycling shorts. The 22-year-old’s racing calendar had been set to include the Ardennes classics—Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège—before progressing to the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and making his anticipated Tour de France debut in July. Del Toro’s withdrawal from Itzulia Basque Country represents a significant setback to these plans, raising questions about his recovery timeline and future participation in upcoming events. Wednesday’s stage was ultimately won by Axel Laurance of Ineos Grenadiers, who emerged victorious from an 11-rider breakaway. Del Toro’s exit highlights the unpredictable nature of stage racing, where crashes can abruptly alter the competitive landscape. Fans and team members alike will be watching closely for updates on his condition and potential return to racing.