Isaac del Toro is racing the Vuelta a España while battling coronavirus infection, according to ESPN. The 20-year-old Mexican is making his Grand Tour debut and, after a promising start, he dropped out of the running on Day 9. Now we know why…
Del Toro was on track to finish in the top ten in the first week, but over the weekend things went awry for the UAE Team Emirates phenom. He managed to limit the damage on Saturday, but finished last on Sunday, more than 35 minutes behind the winner, which resulted in him plummeting to 39th in the standings on a day when Adam Yates moved up the overall standings with a stage win.
At the UAE-Team Emirates HQ, the cards seem to change every day. Joao Almeida looked like the best in the first week, especially after Yates lost time in a crash. However, Almeida did not start the ninth day due to a coronavirus infection spreading within the team. Nevertheless, Yates is still well placed in the standings in seventh place, with Pavel Sivakov in 11th.
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Isaac del Toro
Coronavirus pollution will thwart major progress – Isaac del Toro
Del Toro showed signs of recovery after his first rest day, finishing in the group of favourites to win. However, it will take some time for him to get back to his normal self. His coronavirus symptoms are reportedly mild and he is able to continue racing. Del Toro won the Tour de l’Avenir last year and has placed third in the Tour de Down Under, fourth in Tirreno-Adriatico and won the overall in Burgos this season, so he has a bright future with the team. It’s no wonder he’s signed with Tadej Pogacar’s team until the end of 2029.
Yet the team is still plagued by COVID-19. Juan Ayuso withdrew from the Tour de France because of the virus, while Yates and Tim Wellens are also unwell. Pogačar had the virus before the Tour and has been given immunity. The big question is whether more UAE riders will test positive for the coronavirus, which is apparently spreading well into 2024. Laurens de Plus already tested positive on stage 10 and withdrew from the race.