Del Toro, a substantial stopwatch in Montreal

Isaac Del Toro rode a clean and flawless time trial, finishing a more than respectable sixth place among the elite men in Montreal, on the opening day of the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. This placing is only one place lower than last year's elite debut, but it needs to be put into context: this year's flat and technical course is decidedly less suited to his abilities as a pure climber.

The real goal, however, lies elsewhere. His time trial effort represents more of a preparation for next Sunday's road race. With teammate Tadej Pogačar absent from the start list, the 22-year-old Mexican will emerge as one of the main favorites for the rainbow jersey.

“Honestly, at the World Championships, as in the rest of the season, I think it’s always better to do one more race than one less,” Del Toro told a small group of media, including Cyclingnews , immediately after the finish line, explaining his choice not to focus on just one discipline at the World Championships.

"That's exactly why I do it: not so much to reach peak condition in the race, but to train and improve naturally. Last year, on a slightly more uneven course, I finished fifth, this year sixth. I think I can be proud of my progress."

A clear and honest analysis that speaks volumes about the young Mexican's maturity: "Honestly, even though I shot a little less today, without paying too much attention to the numbers or the result, I can still be satisfied with the effort. There was no real risk, and overall everything went as we could have expected."

Del Toro then spoke about his condition following his victory at last Sunday's Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, where he outsprinted his French rival Paul Seixas to claim his first victory in the race: a decidedly positive sign ahead of next weekend's road race.

"It was a good first time, I'd say," he commented on his GP victory. "Let's hope it goes well. I have good legs, and I'm trying to keep my head in the right place, without rushing. Nothing's written yet, so we have to be smart, clear-headed, and we'll see how it goes."

When asked by Cyclingnews what had surprised him most about his time in Canada so far, Del Toro responded with genuine enthusiasm: "What can I say? There are so many things, but for me it's quite new to race on circuits like this. I've done it many years ago, and coming back now is really special. And the people, a little different than in Europe: the atmosphere, the style."

The runner finally admitted that the thing he is looking forward to most is the holiday after next Sunday's race.