Isaac del Toro appears disappointed but also proud after losing the 2025 Giro d'Italia on the legendary Colle delle Finestre and in the stage finishing in Sestriere.

The 21-year-old Mexican and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) engaged in a tactical duel on the penultimate climb of the Giro, with both refusing to cooperate. This situation allowed Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike) to go solo and take what appears to be a decisive lead in the overall standings.

The tactical game, almost bordering on paradoxical, between Del Toro and Carapaz allowed Yates to wear the pink jersey in Sestriere. The Briton now leads the standings with 3:56 on Del Toro and 4:43 on Carapaz.

"Everyone was playing tactically. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose," Del Toro said after swapping the pink jersey for the white one as best young player.

'My disappointment is split in half: for myself and for the team. They deserved the victory.'

With a mix of pride and tactical vision, Del Toro dismissed criticism from Carapaz, who had called Yates 'the most intelligent'.

'Everyone can have their own opinion,' replied the Mexican.

'He was definitely the smartest, so hats off to Visma because they played their cards well.'

Del Toro defended his racing strategy:

'At the start of the Finestre, Carapaz wanted to blow everyone away but I showed that they couldn't do that. I wanted to be smart on the climb and not go crazy, I knew it would last an hour. I didn't want to push 1000 watts and then stop.'

Despite the disappointment, the young Mexican found satisfaction in his overall performance:

'I'm happy because I showed that I can compete in a Grand Tour. Few believed that I could do what I did. I had the legs to win, I came close. I'll sleep well tonight because I've matured and I've understood that this is also cycling. I'm not smiling because I'm second, but it's still a great result.'

Sprint Cycling Photo