UAE Tour: Isaac del Toro upsets the sprinters with sensational attack to win stage 1

UAE Team Emirates's Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro Romero leads the pack while approaching the finish line during the first stage of the UAE Tour cycling event from Madinat Zayed Majlis to Liwa Palace in Abu Dhabi on February 16, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP).

Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) drew first blood in the 2026 UAE Tour, snatching a sensational victory away from the sprinters on stage 1 on Monday.

The Mexican, a leading contender for the overall title, launched a vicious acceleration on a draggy finish that had the pure sprinters gasping for breath.

Cees Bol (Decathlon CMA CGM) came back as Del Toro’s speed faded but the line came soon enough for the 22-year-old to celebrate his first victory on his first appearance of the season.

Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) claimed the final spot on the podium on the same time despite a small gap back from Del Toro and Bol.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s crazy,” Del Toro said. “I don’t know exactly [how it happened] but I just see the chance and I don’t want to regret it.”