Mexico Aims to Revive Vuelta a México Cycling Race in 2027, Boosted by Isaac del Toro’s Success

Mexico City — Mexico’s cycling federation plans to revive the Vuelta a México stage race in early 2027, aiming to elevate it to UCI status and capitalize on the growing popularity of star cyclist Isaac del Toro.

The Cycling Union of Mexico (UCM) seeks to leverage the excitement surrounding del Toro’s recent successes to bring a high-level race back to the country. According to a report from cycling outlet Escape Collective, organizers are targeting a January 2027 restart for the event.

Targeting UCI Status

Race organizers aspire to secure the highest possible category within the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which would allow del Toro to compete with his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad.

“It would be fantastic for us,” UCM president Bernardo de la Garza told Escape Collective. “And if we’re lucky enough to have Isaac in our National Championship again, as we did last October in Ensenada, then perhaps UAE and other teams could do their altitude training here in Mexico and be part of the Vuelta a México before the Tour Down Under.”

The potential revival is driven by Mexico’s new cycling federation, which hopes to use enthusiasm generated by the Ensenada-born rider’s performances to encourage more Mexicans to take up the sport.

History of the Race

The Vuelta a México, one of Mexico’s most emblematic stage races, ran intermittently from its 1948 debut until its most recent hiatus in 2016.

The competition, which traversed various Mexican regions, faced repeated interruptions due to logistical, financial, and organizational problems, leaving a legacy of sporting passion marked by local stars and institutional conflicts.

Early editions featured national talents like Eduardo Aguilar, who won the inaugural 1948 race. During the 1950s, Ángel Romero dominated with four consecutive victories, raising the event’s profile.

However, tensions between private companies and the Mexican government over organizational control led to the race’s temporary disappearance in 1999, dealing a significant blow to national cycling.

A brief revival came in 2003 with the Vuelta a las Américas, a unique 21-stage edition held between February and March, won by Mexican rider Julio César Rangel.

After five years of absence, the race returned in 2008 under Telmex Institute sponsorship with support from CONADE, joining the UCI America Tour as a category 2.2 event. Between 2009 and 2010, it operated as the Vuelta a México Telmex, attracting greater international attention.