Del Toro Will Lead UAE Team Emirates at Il Lombardia
Isaac del Toro has been named the primary rider for the team at Il Lombardia on October 10, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cycling
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Brandon McNulty has identified Isaac del Toro as the leader for UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the upcoming Il Lombardia race. The decision comes as the team adjusts its hierarchy following Tadej Pogačar's absence due to injury.
Why it matters
Designating a clear leader is essential for the tactical cohesion of the team during the demanding classic. This structure allows riders like McNulty to shift into a domestique role to support del Toro's pursuit of victory.
Brandon McNulty enters the race following four recent outings and a road race victory in Montreal 12 days ago. The team will rely on this recent form as they transition into the role of support for the primary rider.
The players
Isaac del Toro
He is a professional cyclist selected as the primary team leader for the upcoming race.
Brandon McNulty
He is a professional cyclist who recently won in Montreal and will serve as a domestique.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG
This is a professional cycling team competing on the UCI WorldTour circuit.
Tadej Pogačar
He is a prominent cyclist currently sidelined from competition due to an injury.
The details
Brandon McNulty confirmed the team's leadership strategy at a presentation in Bergamo on October 9, 2026. McNulty, who recently secured a win in Montreal, will now focus on his role as a domestique to aid del Toro.
Timeline
September 2026: Brandon McNulty won the road race in Montreal.
October 9, 2026: Brandon McNulty spoke at the team presentation in Bergamo.
October 10, 2026: Il Lombardia occurs.
Season Trajectory
As one of the final major races in the 2026 UCI WorldTour racing calendar, Il Lombardia serves as a critical test for riders finishing their season. The team's choice to pivot leadership highlights the adaptive nature of squads navigating long, physically demanding competitive years.
Fantasy cycling managers should adjust their rosters to account for del Toro taking the primary protected role in the team hierarchy. Tactical shifts of this nature often redistribute stage-winning potential and impact overall point distributions for the race.
The takeaway
Team dynamics are highly fluid and often necessitate quick changes in leadership to capitalize on a rider's current form. Adapting to these shifts is vital for success in long-distance cycling events.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional road racing, visit Cycling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
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