| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour de France | An annual men’s multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in France. |
| Immense | Huge, very large. |
| UCI World Rankings | The Union Cycliste Internationale’s ranking system for professional cyclists. |
Isaac del Toro, a 22-year-old cyclist from Baja California, has made history by becoming the first Mexican in 36 years to win a stage in the prestigious Tour de France. This achievement came during Stage 2 of the race, where del Toro finished alongside his UAE Emirates-XRG teammate, Tadej Pogacar. The stage, spanning 168.5 kilometers, started in Tarragona, Spain, and ended with a challenging uphill finish in Barcelona.
Pogacar, a four-time Tour de France champion, graciously allowed del Toro to take the win in an act of sportsmanship. Del Toro’s victory is the first for a Mexican cyclist since Raúl Alcalá, who won stages in 1989 and 1990. Del Toro expressed immense gratitude, stating, “This means everything to me,” acknowledging the support from his team.
Del Toro is recognized as one of the leading young cyclists globally. He currently ranks third in the UCI world rankings, following Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark. His recent achievements include victories in the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes. Last year, he dramatically rose in the rankings after winning 16 races.
After Stage 2, del Toro was positioned fourth overall in the 21-stage race, concluding in Paris on July 26. In Stage 3, Pogacar regained the lead by winning a mountainous route, with del Toro finishing 10th, maintaining his fourth-place standing. The stage took cyclists from Granollers, Spain, to Les Angles, France.
This victory was celebrated by many, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who congratulated del Toro on social media. Despite no Mexican having ever won the Tour de France, del Toro’s achievements represent a significant milestone in Mexican cycling history.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Cyclist | Ciclista |
| Victory | Victoria |
| President | Presidente |
Time to discuss
- Why is Isaac del Toro’s victory significant for Mexican cycling?
- How does sportsmanship play a role in competitive sports, as seen in del Toro’s win?
- What challenges do cyclists face during a race like the Tour de France?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the importance of teamwork in cycling, using del Toro’s experience as an example.
- What qualities do you think are necessary for a cyclist to succeed in international competitions?
