Canary Islands refuse to host 2026 Vuelta finale if rebranded Israel-Premier Tech participate

The Canary Islands will not host the finale of the 2026 Vuelta a España due to the potential participation of the team formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech, according to a report by Spanish newspaper AS. The news comes despite the team’s decision to rebrand and drop its Israeli identity for 2026.

"Despite the news reports about Sylvan Adams's departure from the team's management and the financial difficulties the team is facing, the owner remains the same, and the possibility, based on sporting merit, of the team participating in La Vuelta is still there. Therefore, the position of the Gran Canaria Island Council has not changed," sources told AS.

The planned four-stage finale, which was to be split between Gran Canaria and Tenerife, has now collapsed after the deadline set by race organiser Unipublic passed without resolution. The route was expected to feature two stages in Gran Canaria, including a climb to Pico de las Nieves, followed by two stages in Tenerife with a grand finale on Mount Teide.

Antonio Morales, head of the Gran Canaria Island Council, had made his position clear that the Canary Islands would not host the Vuelta if Israel-Premier Tech participated, back in September, following this year's Vuelta, which saw multiple stages disrupted by demonstrations against Israel's invasion of Gaza.

"I have to say with absolute conviction that if Israel is participating, then no. Gran Canaria is not willing to whitewash genocide and Israel's actions through sport or any other means," Morales stated. "We will see what happens in the coming months, but of course, with Israel's participation, Gran Canaria will not host the Vuelta a España."

With Gran Canaria's refusal now confirmed, the Tenerife Island Council has indicated it cannot bear the estimated €6.5 million cost alone without Gran Canaria's participation.

The situation comes during a period of significant change for Israel-Premier Tech. In November, Canadian company Premier Tech confirmed it would step down as title sponsor, subsequently announcing a new partnership with St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93 for 2026 on Tuesday.

This decision came despite the team having already announced plans to rebrand for the 2026 season, dropping its Israeli identity amid growing pressure, with the team describing the move as necessary "to secure the future of the project" and ensure continued support from partners and sponsors.

As part of this transition, team owner Sylvan Adams will step back from daily operations and public representation of the team, focusing instead on his role as President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.

The 2026 Vuelta route, expected to be unveiled on December 17, will now require significant changes. While Monaco has been officially confirmed as hosting the Grand Départ, with a time trial on the Grand Prix circuit to begin, Unipublic must now find a new location for the race conclusion.

Madrid has more or less been ruled out due to a clash with the Spanish Grand Prix on September 13, but Cadena Ser reports that Granada is the leading contender to host the grand finale. Domestique understands that the penultimate stage in that scenario would be a summit finish atop Sierra Nevada before stage 21 into Granada.