The Emirati team clears up doubts about leadership: the Mexican in the pink jersey will be the captain in the decisive mountain stages
Like the white smoke announcing the election of the new Pope in the Vatican, the definitive decision on leadership has arrived from the UAE Team Emirates hotel at the Giro d'Italia: Isaac del Toro will be the sole captain for the decisive mountain stages.
A clear signal came during the press conference on the third day of rest, where Juan Ayuso was absent and Del Toro was joined by sporting director Fabio Baldato and manager Joxean Matxin.
Baldato declared, significantly using the singular 'leader'.
Matxin was equally explicit:
'It is clear that Isaac has shown that he is the strongest runner in the race; he is the leader with 1:20 on the second, on his own merits'Del Toro took the lead by attacking in the dirt road stage in Siena and then consolidated his advantage with bonus points and placings. He now leads the standings with a 1:20 lead over Simon Yates and a 1:26 lead over Ayuso .
The young Mexican appears a little nervous about the responsibility, but ready to fight in the four mountain stages before arriving in Rome:
'I think I'm in one of the best conditions of my life. This last week is going to be difficult for everyone, but I have to believe I can do it. I want to be smart and give it my all.'UAE Team Emirates is standing united to support Del Toro in defending the pink jersey from rivals' attacks in the decisive mountain stages that will decide this 2025 Giro d'Italia.
