Vuelta a Espana set to prioritise Spanish teams for wildcards: "The Spanish teams have a great chance"
Cycling
Javier Guillen, the director of the Vuelta a Espana, has
spoken about the ongoing debate surrounding the UCI’s wildcard distribution.
The discussion has intensified as more ProTeams express frustration over the
allocation process.
Both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana have
reportedly requested an additional wildcard from the UCI. This would allow more
teams to secure a place in their respective Grand Tours while accommodating
both local and international squads.
“We will see who we give them to, but of course everyone has
a chance and it must be said that the Spanish teams have a great chance,” said
Guillén. Despite concerns from Spanish ProTeams, he firmly denied that the
Vuelta would exclude them.
“Because we exclude no one as Vuelta. Movistar is the only
Spanish team that is guaranteed to start, because they have that right as a
WorldTeam.”
Several Spanish squads, including Equipo Kern Pharma, Caja
Rural - Seguros RGA, Euskaltel-Euskadi, and Burgos-BH, are all vying for a
wildcard invitation. Guillén acknowledged their ambitions but also highlighted
the competition from international teams.
“We have to take into account the presence of Spanish teams,
but there are also strong international teams that would really like to come to
La Vuelta,” he told Relevo.
With demand for wildcards increasing, the decision remains
uncertain. “Everyone knows how it has been for years, but it is also true that
there is a lot of pressure. I don't know yet who will get the wildcards.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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