The new era: The great talents of the overall classification - Del Toro, Seixas & Ayuso

Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard have shared all six Tour de France victories between them since 2020. But for the first time since the beginning of their era, there is a new generation of cyclists who don't care about the big names. Here: Isaac del Toro, Paul Seixas and Juan Ayuso.

While Pogačar and Vingegaard have dominated the Tour de France in sporting terms, a new generation is growing up in their slipstream that not only wants to ride, but also to lead - and with great self-confidence. Isaac del Toro, Paul Seixas and Juan Ayuso are not talents who learn quietly and wait patiently. They have broad chests, seek responsibility and are not afraid of attack or friction in the peloton or in their own team. The first part of this series takes a look at the three "loud" talents - personalities who do not avoid confrontation and say clearly when something does not suit them.

Isaac del Toro - Exceptional Mexican talent

The 21-year-old Del Toro electrified young riders like no other in 2025. In his second WorldTour season, he came close to overall victory at the Giro d'Italia before lacking the experience to score a major coup. The nickname "El Torito" - little bull - suits his riding style: explosive, aggressive and fearless. After the Giro setback, Del Toro proved his mental strength and took 12 victories in the second half of the season.

His versatility makes him dangerous. Del Toro accelerates similarly to Pogačar, can break away from small groups and beat most climbers in a sprint. His skills on the climbs are already at world-class level and his time trialling is constantly improving. UAE Team Emirates-XRG plans to field him alongside Pogačar in the 2026 Tour. This is the biggest problem for the young Mexican. His potential is seemingly limitless, but his role in the team of the great high-flyer Tadej Pogačar is clear. As a helper, he has to be subordinate, which he has accepted so far. Should his captain drop out for any reason, or pursue other plans in the future, he could take over the Slovenian's legacy as the next Tour winner.

Paul Seixas - France's next beacon of hope

Paul Seixas is regarded as the greatest French talent of the coming years and what makes him special is his already relatively complete profile. For his young age, he not only has climbing skills, but also a solid time trial and a strikingly good understanding of racing. This is exactly the combination that teams are looking for in potential Grand Tour candidates. Team UAE is said to have already knocked on Seixas' door, and his younger brother is already riding for the racing team from the Emirates.

France has been waiting years for a new real Grand Tour hopeful. Seixas could fulfil this role in the future if his development goes according to plan and he is gradually introduced to the stress and pressure. With talents in this category, the question is not so much whether they can shine, but when they are ready to ride at the highest level for three weeks. His team Decathlon CMA CGM currently seems to be giving him this time, which speaks in favour of a positive development.

Juan Ayuso - Self-confident Spaniard

At 23, Juan Ayuso is one of the most polarising riders in the peloton. Although he has not yet won a Grand Tour, his self-confidence is high and his demeanour self-assured. By switching to Lidl-Trek, Ayuso was able to avoid the complete escalation of disputes with his former team. His temperament is more reminiscent of Remco Evenepoel than Jonas Vingegaard - Ayuso expects to win, and when it doesn't work out, things get complicated.

The switch to Lidl-Trek could therefore be as liberating for him as Tom Pidcock's transfer to Q36.5 Pro Cycling. At Lidl-Trek, every race is now open to him. His 16 career victories are spread across time trials, one-day races, Grand Tour stages and overall classifications such as Itzulia Basque Country and Tirreno-Adriatico. As a time trialist and climber in particular, he has the necessary skills for Grand Tour victories.