We'll defend Isaac del Toro in the group, says Team Emirates director

▲ The Baja California native has spent another week leading the Giro d'Italia. Photo by AFP

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, p. a12

Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro won't be pedaling alone heading into the final week of the Giro d'Italia. Still in his possession, the pink jersey and holding a 1:20 advantage over Britain's Simon Yates and a 1:26 advantage over his teammate Juan Ayuso, the Ensenada, Baja California native will tackle the final six stages of the race with the support of his UAE Team Emirates group.

Isaac has proven to be the strongest rider in the race so far. He's the leader on his own merits. We'll defend that, support things continuing as they are, and, obviously, we'll be consistent with the situation and what he's shown , said team principal Joxean Fernández Matxin .

While planning the ultimate strategy to tackle the most challenging aspects of the high mountains, Matxin spoke about Del Toro's growth.

“We've always wanted to give Isaac confidence and not put pressure on him. Last year, he started competing in the Vuelta a España because we believed in his potential and ability to grow in major competitions. We're sticking to the plan and the ambition. Situations like getting sick or having a problem can happen, but the important thing is to believe in his potential. He's a super-honest man who helped his teammates at Tirreno-Adriatico and then was ready to win Milan-Turin. It's a growth process, and right now, he's the best competitor in the race. He's wearing the pink jersey , and we hope to continue along these lines,” Matxin added.

The manager avoided entering into controversy over whether Ayuso will be given the green light to attempt a comeback, although he made it clear that the intention is not to put pressure on the Mexican.

We want to go out together and race as a team. We're strong, as we've seen in the mountains before. When there's a selection in the peloton and there are 50 riders left, all of us are there. That's our mentality and our goals for the final stretch as well.

Isaac has been leading the Giro for a week now and hasn't shown any major signs of weakness, even in the most demanding stages.

I think I feel really good; I'm in some of the best shape of my life. I've already put in some good performances in the mountains before. This last week will be tough for everyone, but I need to believe I'm capable of it. I want to be smart and do my best with the team to manage the race , the Mexican shared.

After a day of rest, the cyclist is ready for stage 16, a demanding high-mountain climb between Piazzola sul Brenta and San Valentino. The route will test not only the legs but also strategy, endurance, and composure.

You want to be good from a young age and improve. I've already made great strides in my career, and I have to believe in it and understand what's happening around me. You never know when you'll come back, so you have to enjoy it. But I also want to take it step by step, safely and in the right direction. I'm following my teammates, who have much more experience and are helping me manage the pressure , Isaac added.

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, p. a12

Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz got off to a strong start in defending their French Open titles with straight-set wins to advance to the second round.

In one hour and 24 minutes, Swiatek defeated Rebecca Sramkova 6-3, 6-3; Alcaraz needed just half an hour more to defeat Giulio Zeppieri 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The Spaniard won all 14 of his service games, saving all three break points he faced, on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

I played solidly, and I'm satisfied , said Alcaraz. I'm very proud of my start and hope to make it to the final .

Both Swiatek and Alcaraz sat in the stands at the Chatrier stadium the day before to witness the farewell tribute to 14-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner opened with a victory, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. In the night session, the Italian defeated host Arthur Rinderknech, who put up a great fight but was unable to overcome the world number one. The match ended in Sinner's favor 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.

The 23-year-old tennis player will be seeking his fourth Grand Slam title and reaching his first final in Paris.

Meanwhile, in a show of vulnerability, Naomi Osaka expressed her fear of facing fines after a devastating defeat at Roland Garros. The four-time Grand Slam champion was defeated by Paula Badosa in a three-set match, causing the Japanese player to lose her composure.

Following her 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 defeat, Osaka tearfully admitted to feeling the pressure of not living up to expectations, leading to a poignant moment where she had to briefly leave the post-match conference.

With information from Ap

▲ Photo @ArrowMcLaren

La Jornada Newspaper, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, p. a12

Mexican driver Pato O'Ward moved up to third place in the Indianapolis 500 after Marcus Ericsson received a penalty for failing post-race technical inspection. Ericsson, who finished second, and his Andretti Global teammate Kyle Kirkwood submitted unapproved changes that would have improved aerodynamics.