Tenerife Officials Raise Alarm Over Potential Hosting of La Vuelta 2026

The Cabildo of Tenerife has voiced serious concerns about the possibility of hosting the 2026 Vuelta a España, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the island’s reputation amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Debate on Israeli Team’s Involvement

José Miguel Ruano, the second vice president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, expressed his apprehensions during a press conference held on Wednesday. He stated that if the 2026 Vuelta a España is perceived to tarnish the island’s image, then hosting the event will not be an option. His remarks come in light of discussions surrounding the participation of an Israeli team in the cycling event. Ruano clarified that while he supports the sporting event, any association with broader political issues that could negatively impact Tenerife’s reputation would necessitate a reevaluation of its involvement.

Ruano’s comments were made in the presence of island president Rosa Dávila and vice president Lope Afonso from the Popular Party (PP), who collectively underscored the importance of protecting the island’s image. The officials are currently engaged in discussions to determine the specific conditions under which La Vuelta could be hosted in Tenerife. Once these conditions are established, the Cabildo will be in a better position to make an informed decision regarding the event.

Prioritizing Tenerife’s Image Amidst Global Concerns

Vice president Afonso reiterated the commitment to safeguarding the island’s reputation, stating, “Our position is to defend the island’s image. If the island’s interests do not align with hosting a sporting event, we are not here to create problems where there are none.” The officials are keenly aware of the potential implications that hosting such a high-profile event could have on the island’s image, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

During the press conference, both Ruano and Afonso condemned the recent invasion of Gaza. However, they opted not to label it as genocide, as defined by the United Nations. Afonso expressed his strong disapproval of the situation in Gaza, while Ruano referred to the violence as a “massacre,” highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Calls for International Accountability and the Future of La Vuelta

Ruano emphasized the necessity for international accountability, stating, “We believe that a massacre of the civilian population is occurring in Gaza, and this massacre is attributable to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government of Israel.” He argued that the international community, including individual nations and the European Union, should impose sanctions on Israel in response to the ongoing violence. Ruano stressed the importance of establishing a framework to address these pressing issues, asserting that all decent citizens are witnessing the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

When discussing the term “massacre,” Ruano acknowledged a shared understanding of its implications but cautioned against using it as a political tool. He suggested that labeling the situation in such a manner implies a level of responsibility for the violence, complicating the discourse surrounding the event. The future of La Vuelta in the Canary Islands remains uncertain, particularly as the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has been vocal in its opposition to hosting the event if Israel is involved. Previously, the cabildos of Gran Canaria and Tenerife had reached a preliminary agreement with Unipublic to host the final stages of the competition. However, following pro-Palestinian protests during this year’s event, the president of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria has indicated that the competition will not proceed if Israel participates.

Key points

• Tenerife’s Cabildo is reconsidering hosting La Vuelta 2026 due to concerns about the island’s image.
• José Miguel Ruano stated that participation would be off the table if it negatively impacts Tenerife.
• Discussions are ongoing regarding the conditions for La Vuelta’s potential arrival in Tenerife.
• Both Ruano and Afonso condemned the situation in Gaza, with differing terminology.
• The future of La Vuelta in the Canary Islands is uncertain, especially regarding Israeli participation.