Representatives of the local government of Tenerife confirmed that the Vuelta a España will not visit the Canary Islands next September. However, they remain interested in bringing the Spanish Grand Tour to the island, and according to local media, conquering Spain's highest peak, Teide, is also a possibility.
The 2026 Vuelta was planned to conclude on the islands, encompassing both Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However, due to the Gran Canaria government's opposition to the participation of the Israel–Premier Tech team, the tour's first visit to the popular tourist destinations since 1988 has now been postponed indefinitely.
According to the publication AS, an agreement to bring the race to the islands was almost finalized, but a change of heart from the Gran Canaria island council completely thwarted the plans. Their decision came after this year's Vuelta was marred by pro-Palestine protests against the presence of Israel–Premier Tech, related to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Under immense public pressure, the team recently rebranded and will compete next year under a Swiss license, under the name NSN Cycling Team. Team owner Sylvan Adams will step down from the team's daily management, but this did not affect the Spanish decisions.
Preparations for the tour's visit to Tenerife were well underway, with one stage scheduled to finish at the Teide Observatory at an altitude of 2390 meters above sea level – this would have been the highlight of the three-week race. Every year, many of the world's top cyclists train at altitude on the mountain, with many staying at the Parador hotel, located below the planned finish line.
Reportedly, the Tenerife local government considered hosting the race without the involvement of the neighboring island, but the costs proved too high, although they remain firmly convinced that the project should be realized in the future.
The stages for the 2026 Vuelta will be announced on December 17th.
