If its true I found the UAE 2030 bet on Isaac del Toro more noteworthy. What has del Toro done to justify this risk?
The is not really based in reality.. Del Toro is a 20 year old from the 3rd world. He signed a extension until 2029, so an additional 5 years. Del Toro obviously has impressed UAE management and teammates. He had 3 wins in his first season, got combative jersey on a day in Vuelta, his first year and completed his first grand tour.
Raced outstanding in U23 Worlds. Again, 1st year and turning in respectable ITT times. He was racing well at gravel worlds until he crashed out. Fairly significant because the crash resulted in cancellation of China debut.
But in all sports long term contracts are a crap shoot. Will Pogacar gamble pay off? Will other extensions that UAE did w multiple 20 year olds on their team pay off?
If one of the 20 signed somethings on UAE turns towards stardom, the bet pays out because the near children, sign long term deals for what is to them significant money, but if something goes well their market value will likely increase and UAE will look to have got them on the cheap. Pogacar could crash, pop something out of place and never race again tomorrow, today nobody knows. Ineos is a living example, Egan Bernal was flying high until he crashed into a bus, certainly not game over but Ineos team trajectory has dramatically changed, budget yet to be adjusted has team in absolute turmoil. Signed a long term expensive contract for a captain who can't currently do the job. All scenarios can play out anywhere.
I personally find confidence and extended contracts for Baroncini, Christian, Del Toro,Fisher-Black,Morgado and a couple others great strategic moves. But especially for the market and branding. UAE and others pressing hard for races and markets outside Europe, like a UAE tour and races in China. They are signing significant firepower for all year worldwide. Again personally, I found Del Toro racing in January and all the way through October maybe too long for debut season, but the people who are paid to know, paid to train and chart his progress saying the more the merrier.
But to your original point ,justified risk, UAE is with Del Toro daily and they see something worth the investment. And in the most profound observation point in the world, UAE can compare any of their racers w Pogacar as reference baseline, other squads use Strava or race results, UAE can ride groups together and evaluate what riders look like compared to TDF, WC.
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