Del Toro beats Seixas in Singapore and makes his stance on their rivalry clear

Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas have faced off again, this time away from the WorldTour competition. The Mexican has claimed victory at the Singapore Criterium after an attack in the final kilometers and, after the race, made statements about his rivalry with the Frenchman that anticipate new confrontations in 2027.

Del Toro wins the last duel of the year against Seixas

The Tour de France EFGH Singapore Criterium brought together some of the main figures of the international peloton this Sunday, November 8, in an exhibition event organized by ASO. Among them were Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), two riders who have had several significant confrontations during 2026.

The race took place on a 2.45-kilometer urban circuit, which the participants completed 25 laps, totaling 61.25 kilometers. The intense heat and humidity accompanied a day that, despite the threat of rain, ended up taking place on dry asphalt.

For much of the course, the sprinters sought prominence in the intermediate sprints. Biniam Girmay managed to win the points classification, while the battle for victory was reserved for the final kilometers.

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The decisive move came when Del Toro and Seixas joined Mauro Schmid and Søren Wærenskjold to form a group of four riders that opened a gap of over 30 seconds from the peloton.

With about 3.5 kilometers to go, the Mexican champion launched an acceleration that left his breakaway companions behind. Seixas tried to respond alone but could not close the gap.

A decisive late attack seals victory for Isaac del Toro at the Tour de France EFGH Singapore Criterium! https://t.co/QjL0t20Hs8

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) November 8, 2026

Del Toro crossed the finish line in first position, followed by the Frenchman. Wærenskjold completed the podium after surpassing Schmid, while Kaden Groves finished fifth.

It is worth noting that the Singapore Criterium is an exhibition event.

Del Toro on Seixas: "One day he will win and another day it might be me"

Beyond the result, Isaac del Toro's statements after the race reflect how the Mexican interprets his confrontations with Seixas, a rivalry that has gained prominence during 2026.

When asked what he expects from their upcoming duels, Del Toro replied:

"Yes, I mean, one day he will win and another day it might be me. It's part of life, so we enjoy these kinds of moments and, well, maybe we've chosen a difficult life."

The Mexican also tried to downplay that rivalry during the pre-race press conference held on Saturday. As he explained then, he maintains a cordial relationship with Seixas, although he believes that media attention has contributed to amplifying their confrontations.

"We are not friends, but he is a good guy," he pointed out before adding:

"If I'm honest, after all my interviews, I feel that this rivalry is more fueled by the media than by us."

Seixas agreed with that interpretation and explained that, although both compete for similar goals, he does not consider the Mexican a sporting obsession. The Frenchman also highlighted Del Toro's level and stated that he enjoys competing against such strong riders.

Del Toro bids farewell to Asia thinking about resting

The Mexican also took advantage of his presence in Singapore to wear the white jersey of the Tour de France again, a garment with special significance after his performance in the last edition of the French race.

"It's very nice to wear it again, it's like a dream. I'm very happy and excited to wear it and show it in another continent," he explained after the criterium.

Now Del Toro plans to return to Mexico to rest before starting his preparation for 2027. And, after a particularly intense season, he left a final statement that summarizes his immediate priorities:

"Honestly, right now I want to sleep. I'm very tired."

For his part, Seixas will continue his stay in Asia and plans to compete in the Saitama Criterium in Japan before returning to his regular training.

2026 Singapore Criterium Results

1. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
2. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM)
3. Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility)
4. Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla)
5. Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech)