Isaac del Toro leads the general classification after the third stage of the Tour Down Under. The new Mexican sensation went through the stage unscathed, despite the fall that involved several cyclists, and still had time to enjoy the stage route.
“It was a great day. The team was able to support me well, which was really good,” the 20-year-old UAE Team Emirates cyclist recalled his first day in the leader’s jersey. “The final was very crazy, but it was no surprise. We came out safe and unharmed. I think we can talk about an excellent day. We are ready for the steps to come.”
“To be honest, road cycling is always chaotic,” said neo-pro De Toro. “You don’t always run in perfect conditions and you have to try to stay upright, but that’s how it happens. You try to position yourself in the best way possible. Things are a little different from my home country of Mexico,” he says with a wide smile.
However, the winner of the 2023 Tour de l’Avenir was able to enjoy the day. “I feel good and I was even able to enjoy the environment. I even saw three kangaroos! I try to take advantage of that, because you don’t see that every day. And they didn’t jump into the peloton, I’m very happy about that”, jokes the cyclist.
The third stage, ending in Campbelltown, was quite eventful. Today, several cyclists crashed, including local star Luke Plapp, one of Del Toro’s biggest competitors for overall victory in the Tour Down Under. Jayco AlUla’s Australian champion ended up losing a lot of time and said goodbye to the overall victory in the competition.