Vice President of Tenerife Reiterates Interest in Hosting La Vuelta Amid Controversy
Response to Gran Canaria’s Decision
The statement follows the announcement by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria that the cycling competition will not take place on the island if teams from Israel participate, given the allegations of genocide occurring in Gaza. The United Nations Inquiry Commission has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, urging states to act to prevent it.
Tenerife’s Commitment to La Vuelta
Lope Afonso, the Vice President and Tourism Councillor of the Cabildo of Tenerife, confirmed on Tuesday that the corporation remains keen to host stages of La Vuelta Ciclista a España next year. He stated that they would engage in discussions with the organising body and the Spanish cycling federation to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport are upheld.
In a statement released by the corporation in light of Gran Canaria’s announcement, Afonso highlighted that the Cabildo of Tenerife is still “interested” in hosting the conclusion of La Vuelta due to its “extraordinary sporting dimension” and “significant promotional capacity,” insisting that “the athletes and cycling fans deserve it.”
Aiming for a Sports-Focused Reputation
Afonso stressed that the intention is for Tenerife to establish itself as a “benchmark” in the sports arena, steering clear of any external circumstances or political instrumentalisation. This comment comes despite the protests surrounding the participation of a team from Israel in the 2025 edition, amid the ongoing situation in Gaza, acknowledged by the UN Commission of Inquiry.
Nonetheless, Afonso underscored the importance of maintaining “appropriate conversations” at both organisational and federative levels, “to stay informed about the evolution of circumstances and to ensure that the event can take place in Tenerife with comprehensive security guarantees and logistical support.”
He also emphasised the need to “project an image that reflects the values of sport in the island of Tenerife.”
