"It could become a problem" – Jonas Vingegaard admits concerns over Tour de France 2026 Grand Départ

Jonas Vingegaard has admitted that next year’s Tour de France Grand Départ in Barcelona could be at risk if the conflict between Israel and Gaza continues, drawing on the disruptive scenes that marred his recent victory at the 2025 Vuelta a Espana.

Speaking to Feltet at his post-race press conference having returning to Denmark, the Dane was asked by Feltet whether the Tour might face similar challenges. His response was measured but candid. “I think if the war between Israel and Gaza is still ongoing, then yes, it could become a problem. Time will tell, and it depends what choices the Tour makes after what we’ve seen here at the Vuelta,” Vingegaard said.

The Vuelta had been dominated by headlines of protest as much as racing in its final week, with activists bringing several stages to a halt and totally derailing the finale in Madrid. Riders, including Vingegaard himself, were caught in moments of genuine danger as the peloton was repeatedly disrupted.

Although Vingegaard handled the chaos with characteristic composure on his way to securing his first Vuelta title – ahead of João Almeida and Tom Pidcock on the final podium – the atmosphere left a mark. “It’s been particularly noticeable in Spain – they’ve protested here, not so much in Italy or France. So it seems to be more of a Spanish issue. But I think the decision should be left to the UCI and A.S.O.,” the Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader added, deflecting responsibility towards cycling’s governing bodies and the Tour’s organisers.

Despite acknowledging the risks, Vingegaard was firm that it would not affect his racing schedule. “I’ll ride the Tour start wherever it happens to be. Whether it’s in Barcelona or somewhere else – that’s just how it is,” he said.

When asked if he would welcome a return to Denmark – which hosted a hugely successful Grand Départ in 2022 – the two-time Tour champion laughed: “Yes, of course that would be great in Denmark, but I doubt it.”

Former Copenhagen Grand Départ director Alex Pedersen has floated the idea that Denmark could serve as a stand-in host if the Barcelona project collapses. While unlikely, it remains technically possible given the country’s proven capability.

For Vingegaard, however, the focus is firmly on sporting matters. After winning his third Grand Tour title in Madrid, he has little appetite for being drawn into politics. Yet his admission that Barcelona “could become a problem” underlines just how deeply this year’s protests have unsettled the sport – and how precarious the road to 2026 already looks.