Isaac del Toro secures third place in Tour de France, calls pressure 'a privilege'

Isaac del Toro, the 22-year-old Mexican cyclist from UAE Team Emirates, expressed his elation and gratitude after clinching third place in the Tour de France. He specifically thanked his teammate Tadej Pogacar and the entire team for their support throughout the race.

"I feel excited and grateful to Tadej Pogacar and the whole team for the great work they have done throughout the stage and for me. The truth is I have never felt so much pressure, but that is something only privileged people feel," Del Toro said at the finish line. He reflected on the team's struggles with a virus that affected several riders, emphasizing their resilience.

"The team went through difficult moments, but we tried to overcome them by not being weak. It has not been easy at all to achieve a podium spot, but now I am happy and I thank the team for the commitment and help from everyone, starting with Tadej," he explained. Del Toro also acknowledged his direct rival for the third step of the podium, 19-year-old French debutant Paul Seixas.

"Seixas is a great rider and he should also celebrate the Tour he has had. He and his team did everything possible to achieve the same goal as me. He is a great champion, and I am happy for them as well as for the part of the coin that has fallen to me," Del Toro concluded. His historic achievement marks a significant moment for Mexican cycling.