In a recent episode of *The Breakaway*, Adam Blythe expressed his admiration for the Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro, likening his fearless approach to that of the legendary UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Tadej Pogacar. Blythe highlighted the intriguing interplay between Del Toro and fellow competitor Ayuso, noting Del Toro’s bold and daring style as particularly captivating. He remarked that while both riders exhibit impressive skills, their racing philosophies appear markedly different.
Blythe elaborated on his thoughts by explaining, “For the team, it’s generally easier to manage Del Toro, but it can be quite challenging to rein him in during races.” This sentiment reflects the youthful exuberance that Del Toro possesses, especially when he feels strong. He pointed out that when Del Toro had an especially powerful day two days prior, the challenge was to keep him under control rather than allowing him to race freely. On the contrary, he perceived Ayuso as a more calculated rider, showcasing traits characteristic of seasoned Grand Tour cyclists.
Del Toro’s insatiable drive to race is evident, as Blythe pointed out that the young athlete has an invigorating approach, wanting to “go, go, go” and immerse himself in the competitive atmosphere of the peloton. This eagerness to engage with the race is further highlighted by a reflective comment made by Del Toro in an interview, where he admitted, “I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow; we’ll see what happens.” This attitude illustrates the essence of bike racing—taking risks and being ready for whatever comes next.
Blythe remained optimistic about Del Toro’s potential for future stages, saying, “As long as he doesn’t put Ayuso at a disadvantage, I can see him going all out tomorrow. Why not? He’s in pink! He wants to savor every moment of it, which he clearly is.” However, Blythe also suggested that Del Toro’s competitive nature would drive him to assert himself more and assert that his position in the race is earned. He concluded by saying Del Toro will seek to prove himself, voicing a desire to leverage the prestige of wearing the iconic pink jersey.
In a related segment, the conversation shifted towards one of cycling’s most resilient figures, Primoz Roglic, who experienced a triumph on the same day by gaining more than a minute on Del Toro despite suffering a crash earlier during a reconnaissance ride. Commentators Robbie McEwen and Blythe highlighted Roglic’s remarkable capacity to bounce back from adversity, emphasizing his impressive comeback as a masterclass in resilience.
McEwen acknowledged Roglic’s strategic advantage and remarked on the substantial time he gained on key rivals, stating, “He took a massive chunk back on Del Toro. We talk a lot about how resilient Roglic is and his remarkable bounce-back ability.” Blythe echoed this admiration, humorously suggesting that Roglic’s tenacity was so impressive that he “genuinely thinks he’s got a twin,” indicating the superhuman nature of Roglic’s performance.
Blythe elaborated on this by pointing out the seemingly invisible injury—“a bandage on his left knee to cover up a cut”—during the recon that seemingly vanished by race time. This led him to question the visibility of any injuries and inspired awe in the transformation that Roglic appeared to undergo regarding his openness in interviews compared to his more reserved demeanor in the past.
Overall, the discussion on *The Breakaway* not only illuminated the emerging talents within cycling, like Del Toro, but also celebrated Roglic’s impressive resilience in the face of challenges. The contrasting strategies and attitudes of both riders provided an engaging narrative as they navigate the demanding world of competitive cycling—while one seeks to break through as a young star, the other reinforces his position at the top with demonstrable fortitude. As the Giro d’Italia continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more exhilarating performances from both athletes on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+.
