I want to like Del Toro, but he really needs to go to another team. Too many of the "big" one day races that suit him also suit Pogacar, and until Pogacar declines, he won't get a chance to race them as leader, which seems like a ridiculous waste to me. I know it's all about the money, but surely there are other teams that could have afforded to pay Del Toro a very good salary. He didn't need to sign an extension until 2059 or whenever he's locked himself in to.
My opinion is pretty much exactly the opposite. Isaac is 22 years old, already has 24 pro wins, has done 2 grand tours finished on the podium at one. He is being tested consistently, constantly. He has a Mexican sensibility that serves him well. He is relaxed gets emotional like anyone but it's tempered. His English is marginal, but even in the brief interview he does post Strade he mentions that Tadej " gives me space ". For Del Toro to go to another team to win more, be designated leadership would really just be another side of the same coin. He currently has the best riders to learn from, get advice from, see perspectives from winners.. Yates, Vine, Wellens, Almedia, Pogacar..he could choose to race against them instead of with and for them.. But what is the net benefit? Marginal at best. Not just Mexicans but many Northerners live by.... ..if it's not broken don't fix it.....everything is going great for Del Toro and looking for greener pastures is a thing but he has a good attitude, great support system and is surrounded by guys who enjoy going to work everyday at UAE. General public might think that Isaac has outgrown UAE or is being held back but he doesn't feel that way.
Something a bit more subtle, UAE was confident and happy with Del Toro, enough to increase his pay and extend his contract until 2029. I am not throwing shade at Juan Ayuso but I think when Del Toro shakes hands and makes a promise after detailed conversations, he will keep his word.
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