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'I'm kind of nervous' – Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?

Isaac del Toro enters Il Lombardia as the favorite to claim his first Monument, but a persistent knee issue has cast doubt over his chances. The Mexican rider, who has already delivered a standout 2024 with a Tour de France podium and three WorldTour stage wins, first disclosed the problem before Gran Piemonte.

Though he rode aggressively in that race, he has since described discomfort—particularly when seated—that has yet to be diagnosed. Del Toro, who finished fifth here last year behind his teammate Tadej Pogačar, now faces a field including Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas, but his form and mental focus remain strong despite the uncertainty.

'It’s normal we want to finish it off in Il Lombardia,' he said, acknowledging the pressure while admitting nerves ahead of the race. With Pogačar absent this season, Como could finally deliver the breakthrough victory del Toro has been chasing.

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