Del Toro takes second in crucial stage, defends Maglia Rosa heading into final showdown at Giro d’Italia

In a performance that underscored both his strength and tactical maturity, Isaac Del Toro secured second place in today’s mountainous Stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia ahead of his closest rival Richard Carapaz (EF Education Easypost), tightening his grip on the overall lead and reinforcing his status as the man to beat with just two stages remaining.

The 20-year-old Mexican phenomenon crossed the line just seconds behind the stage winner Nicolas Prudhomme (Decathlon-AG2R) after a grueling day in the Dolomites, extending his advantage over key GC rivals on terrain that has historically defined the Giro. With the maglia rosa still firmly on his shoulders, Del Toro faces one final major test tomorrow on the stage from Verrès to Sestrière (205km) which tackles the gruelling Colle delle Finestre.

Del Toro’s performance topped-off a very solid performance from UAE Team Emirates-XRG which saw Brandon McNulty (5th) and Rafal Majka (8th) enter the top-10 on the stage after some superb pacing on the climbs.

Del Toro : “It’s incredible. I cannot believe I’m this guy – this is such an incredible thing. I cannot believe I was up there. It’s just great to be here, and thanks to the teammates, I can do these things and all the confidence they give to me.”

The retention of the pink jersey means that tomorrow Del Toro becomes the youngest rider to wear the pink jersey for 11 consecutive days, with the previous record held by the Italian legend Fausto Coppi.

Stage 19 results

1.Nicolas Prudhomme (Decathlon-Ag2r) 4:50:35

2.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +58”

3.Richard Carapaz (EF Education First Easypost) s.t

5.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1’22”

8.Rafal Majka (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) s.t

General Classification after Stage 19

1.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 73:47:59

2.Richard Carapaz (EF Education First Easypost) +43”

3. Simon Yates (Team Visma Lease a Bike) +1’21”