Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro etched his name into the history books on July 26, becoming the first rider from Mexico ever to stand on the final podium of the Tour de France. 

The 22-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, finished third overall in his very first Tour, crossing the finish line in Paris alongside his UAE Team Emirates teammate and winner Tadej Pogačar, and second-place finisher Remco Evenepoel.

Del Toro’s historic campaign included a victory on Stage 2 in Barcelona, making him only the second Mexican rider ever to win a Tour stage, following Raúl Alcalá in 1989 and 1990. He also secured the white jersey as the race’s best young rider, capping a debut that exceeded all expectations.

The young cyclist held onto his podium spot through a grueling final week in the Alps, despite battling an illness that swept through his team. He finished nine minutes and 42 seconds behind Pogačar, the Slovenian ace who won his fifth yellow jersey this year.

Del Toro’s success sparked celebrations back home in Mexico, where cycling fans have hailed him as a new national hero. Social media buzzed with pride as images of the young rider on the podium flooded platforms, with many comparing his achievement to other historic Mexican sporting milestones.

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