Everything seemed to indicate that the 2026 Vuelta a España would finish in the Canary Islands, but due to massive protests in the recent edition against the participation of Israel-Premier Tech, the plans have been shelved. However, Tenerife hopes to welcome the Vuelta in the future.
The 2026 Vuelta would have visited the Canary Islands for the first time since 1988, featuring two stages on Gran Canaria – including a climb of the Pico de las Nieves – followed by two stages on Tenerife with a finale on the famed training volcano, the Teide.
It seemed only a matter of time before these route plans for the Vuelta would be officially announced, but it will not happen. The main sticking point: the fact that NSN Cycling Team (formerly Israel-Premier Tech) will be allowed to participate in the Vuelta next year based on criteria set by the UCI.
This deeply upsets the Gran Canaria island council. "I must say with absolute conviction that if Israel participates, the answer is no. Gran Canaria is not willing to whitewash genocide and Israel’s actions through sport or by any other means," stated Antonio Morales, president of the local council of Gran Canaria, to the Spanish AS.
Standing its ground
Now that the much-discussed team has distanced itself from its Israeli identity and will compete next year under a different name and a Swiss license, it seemed tensions might ease, but nothing could be further from the truth. The island council is standing its ground. They refuse to host the Vuelta as long as the team participates in the three-week race, despite recent developments.
The Gran Canaria island council has told several Spanish media outlets – including AS – that it will not change its position. Therefore, a Vuelta visit to the Canary Islands in 2026 will not happen.
Tenerife Doesn’t Give Up
Authorities in Tenerife are disappointed by the decision of the Gran Canaria island council but have no plans to throw in the towel. According to AS and Domestique Cycling, plans to welcome the Vuelta in the future are still very much alive.
"We are really very disappointed because we put a lot of work into it," says Manolo González. The Spaniard is an advisor to Ideco, the company involved in the local race organization. "It all fell apart because of political issues that should have no influence on sport," he believes.
Lope Afonso, vice-president and tourism councilor of Tenerife’s island council, is determined to revive the project. At a recent event alongside former cycling champions Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, Afonso declared: "Just like Contador did in the mountains, we won’t give up until we reach the summit," he affirmed resolutely.
