Vuelta 2026's arrival in the Canary Islands endangered due to Israel-Premier Tech's presence: "We won't be bystanders"
Antonio Morales, the president of the Cabildo Insular of Gran Canaria, has expressed opposition to Israel-Premier Tech's participation in the 2026 Vuelta a España. Morales stated that, if the situation does not change, Gran Canaria will not host the Vuelta.
Morales's stance is based on allegations of genocide against Israel, which he declared publicly. He emphasised that they cannot be complicit and whitewash Israel's actions, particularly in the Gaza conflict. This sentiment has been echoed by pro-Palestinian groups, who disrupted the 2025 Vuelta with numerous protests.
The international community is also considering potential sanctions against Israel, similar to those imposed on Russia due to the war in Ukraine. The specific international organisations involved have not been clarified, but their potential involvement adds a global dimension to the debate.
Israel-Premier Tech, the cycling team in question, has expressed its desire to participate in the 2026 Vuelta. However, their participation is not yet final, and decisions from international organisations are still pending.
The current position of these organisations regarding Israel-Premier Tech's participation in the Vuelta 2026 is highly contentious. Gran Canaria has threatened to withdraw from hosting the Vuelta finale if Israel-Premier Tech participates, citing opposition to "genocide and Israel's actions" in the Gaza conflict. Similarly, Spanish political figures have indicated they may withdraw from other international events like Eurovision 2026 if Israel is included, linking sports and culture participation to political condemnation of Israel.
These threats have raised concerns about future race security and legitimacy. Ongoing protests against Israel-Premier Tech's presence at cycling events have caused disruptions, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team's participation in the Vuelta.
The final four stages of the 2026 Tour of Spain, planned for the Canary Islands, may not be included if Israel-Premier Tech participates. The representative of Gran Canaria did not mention any specific consequences for Israel-Premier Tech's participation in the 2026 Tour of Spain, nor did they clarify what changes are required for Gran Canaria to host the Vuelta.
Antonio Morales, in his statement, also emphasised the proximity between the Israeli team's owner and President Benjamin Netanyahu. This connection has further fuelled the debate, with critics arguing that the participation of Israel-Premier Tech could be seen as a political endorsement.
The organisers of the 2025 Vuelta were forced to shorten several stages, including the final stage in Madrid, due to the protests. The 2026 Tour of Spain, scheduled for August 22 - September 13, may have its route modified as a result of the ongoing controversy.
Morales expressed that they cannot just carry on as if nothing happened with regards to Israel-Premier Tech's participation. The future of the 2026 Vuelta a España remains uncertain, with the decision on Israel-Premier Tech's participation pending and the potential for further protests and withdrawals.
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