Isaac Del Toro shone on his professional debut in the United Arab Emirates, taking victory in the second stage of the Tour Down Under. The talented Mexican cyclist, just 20 years old, surprised a reduced field by launching a strategic attack at the end of more than 141 kilometers of the stage.
Between Norwood and Lobethal the stage had more than 2,800 meters of elevation difference. At the end, the cyclists entered a 35 km local circuit, which had to be covered three times. Climbers were waiting to climb Fox Creed Road, a one-kilometer wall with an average gradient of 10%. which was just eight kilometers from the end.
Jardi van der Lee (EF Education Easy-Post) was on the run with Luke Burns (Australian team) for a long time. They gained a seven-minute lead, but were caught by a reduced field twenty kilometers from the finish, after climbs up Fox Creed Road.
Last climb of the day
Several cyclists tried to attack on the last climb of the day. Luke Plapp, Jhonatan Narvaez, Quinn Simmons, among others, attempted to escape, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
Isaac Del Toro was more successful. The 20-year-old Mexican from UAE Team Emirates chose the location of the attack 1.3 km from the finish. With great strength he was at the front of the pack. Corbin Strong and Stephen Williams (both from Israel-Premier Tech) placed second and third, ahead of Biniam Girmay and Caleb Ewan.
Young sensation takes the lead in the competition
With the result Isaac del Toro takes the lead of the Tour Down Under. Thus, the Mexican phenomenon wins his 2nd competition in 3 contests as a professional.
Portuguese and Brazilian in the test
The Portuguese Ruben Guerreiro and António Morgado finished the stage in 7th and 18th position, alongside the main squad. Brazilian Vinícius Rangel finished the competition in the 2nd squad in 80th position, 55 seconds behind the winner.
Watch the arrival:
Results of the 2nd stage of the Tour Down Under 2024:
Tour Down Under 2024 overall standings:
