Isaac Del Toro makes daring attack to take first pro win Down Under

Isaac Del Toro put in a late race attack from the reduced peloton in the final hectic kilometre of stage 2 of the Tour Down Under to take a historic win in Lobethal. The 20-year-old rider from Mexico claimed the first World Tour victory of his career in his first World Tour race. He is also the first Mexican to ever win a stage of the Tour Down Under and wear the leaders jersey.

The flying Mexican was aggressive throughout the day, picking up crucial bonus seconds at intermediate sprints, which would ultimately see him take enough advantage to go into the overall race leaders jersey as well as the stage.

Del Toro and Finn Fisher-Black moved off the front of the bunch, trying to close to Luke Plapp (Jayco-Alula) and Jhonathan Narvaez (Ineos), who were both away. The pair were caught with 5.8km remaining as the peloton regrouped.

A flurry of attacks continued until Del Toro made the winning move with 1 kilometre to go, with just enough time to throw his arms aloft before the line in delight and disbelief.

Del Toro: “I don’t know, it is too much for me. I dreamt about winning a stage and I have been here for a while (in Adelaide) and trying to do my best always, but it feels incredible. It’s a very big race and I try to do my best. The team did a great job and the atmosphere is amazing, they are all very supportive.To be honest, the last kilometre felt like five (kilometres) and I just tried to finish and enjoy it. The race has already been a success for me, anything that comes next is a bonus. I’m so so happy.”

Stage 2 results

1.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) 3:29:37

2.Corbin Strong (Israel Premier Tech) s.t

3.Stephen Williams (Israel Premier Tech) s.t

General Classification after stage 2

1.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) 3:29:37

2.Corbin Strong (Israel Premier Tech) +2”

3.Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) +7”