Overview

• Barcelona sports councillor David Escudé called for Israel‑Premier Tech to be excluded from the Grand Départ scheduled in the city on 4 July 2026, citing recent unrest at the Vuelta.
• UCI regulations assign disciplinary power solely to the federation, and Tour director Christian Prudhomme noted organizers cannot unilaterally exclude WorldTour teams that receive automatic invitations.
• The push follows pro‑Palestinian protests that disrupted the 2025 Vuelta with neutralised stages and safety concerns, including incidents targeting Israeli riders.
• Reporting indicates Canary Islands authorities have signaled reluctance to host La Vuelta 2026 if the Israeli team takes part, showing the dispute is spreading beyond Barcelona.
• No decision has been announced by the UCI, and ASO faces operational planning focused on rider safety and public order as political pressure intensifies ahead of 2026.