“Pogacar & Vingegaard would be the perfect gift” – La Vuelta boss reveals 90th edition ambition

Vuelta a Espana director Javier Guillén has hinted at a bold new chapter for the Spanish Grand Tour, revealing that serious discussions are underway to bring the race to the Canary Islands.

Speaking ahead of receiving an award at the Premios Espiga del Deporte in Villanueva del Pardillo on 19 June, Guillén shared his vision of adding a truly unique twist to the race in the near future. “Hopefully it happens sooner rather than later,” he said. “The dream isn’t just a time trial up Mount Teide — it’s to bring the entire race to the Canaries. There’s enthusiasm from all sides. Teide would be part of a road stage, not a standalone effort. Right now, taking La Vuelta to the Canary Islands is the most beautiful and exciting challenge we’re aiming to take on.”

At 3,715 metres, Teide is the highest peak in Spain. While riders wouldn’t climb to the summit, its inclusion would bring high-altitude drama unlike anything currently on the Vuelta route.

Guillén also addressed growing anticipation around the participation of cycling’s biggest names in this year’s edition — particularly Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.

“We’ve designed a very ‘Vuelta-style’ route,” he said. “And we’re hopeful this could be one of the strongest fields in our history. Having Pogacar and Vingegaard would be the ultimate gift for our 90th anniversary.”

“This year’s race is built to reach its climax on the Bola del Mundo. We aim for 21 stages and 21 stories — but while we write the script, it’s the riders who turn it into a masterpiece. And I couldn’t be happier with how they’ve done that in recent years.”

Pogacar made his Grand Tour debut at La Vuelta in 2019, finishing third behind Primoz Roglic and Alejandro Valverde. Since then, he’s gone on to win the Tour de France three times and completed the Giro d’Italia for the first time in 2024 — but the Vuelta remains the only Grand Tour missing from his glittering palmarès.

Vingegaard’s own Grand Tour journey also began at La Vuelta, finishing 46th in his first attempt. He returned in 2023 to claim second overall behind teammate Sepp Kuss in a historic all-Jumbo-Visma podium.

As La Vuelta celebrates its 90th edition, Guillén’s ambition points not only to the stars of the sport — but to the stars above the Atlantic, with the Canary Islands emerging as a dream destination for a future Grand Tour showdown.