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Spanish prime minister calls for Israel to be banned from sports events after chaos at cycling race

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 11:02 GMT by WSB-TV
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Vuelta a España 2024: Organizers Outline a Revitalised Tour Amidst New Challenges

WSB TV – July 12, 2024

The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s three Grand Tours, has officially set its 2024 calendar, with organizers announcing a bold new route that promises both drama and economic revitalisation for Spain’s smaller regions. The announcement, made at a press conference in Madrid on Thursday, outlined a 21‑stage race that will cover roughly 3,300 kilometres, traversing the country’s most iconic landscapes—from the wind‑torn plains of the Levante to the blistering peaks of the Pyrenees.

A Route That Balances Heritage and Innovation

One of the main points of discussion was the selection of stages. The organizers have deliberately chosen to keep the core of the race in Spain, but have added a few “gateway” stages that depart from the traditional coastal circuits. According to the Vuelta’s chief director, Miguel Ángel López, the route will begin in the southern city of Seville, followed by a mid‑tour descent into the Basque Country, and finish in Madrid’s historic center.

“We want the Vuelta to feel distinctly Spanish, but also to reflect the modern dynamism of our nation,” López said. “The new stages incorporate challenging climbs like the Alto de la Morcuera and a mountain finish in Andorra, which we believe will add an extra layer of excitement.”

A particularly noteworthy addition is a “Team Time Trial” (TTT) slated for Stage 10, an event that has been absent from the Vuelta since 2010. This inclusion is part of a broader effort by the organizers to bring more variety to the race’s format, and has been well received by the peloton’s management teams.

International Teams and Star Riders to Watch

The 2024 edition is set to feature 22 of the world’s top professional teams, including giants such as Jumbo‑Visma, Ineos Grenadiers, and UAE Team Emirates. In terms of riders, the peloton will be led by a handful of high‑profile names:

• Tadej Pogačar (Ineos Grenadiers), the 2023 World Champion and two‑time Vuelta winner, is expected to target the overall classification.
• Primož Roglič (UAE Team Emirates), who won the Vuelta in 2022, will aim to reclaim his crown.
• Alberto Dainese (Astana‑Premier Tech) and Richard Carapaz (Bahrain‑McLaren) are also slated to play pivotal roles in their respective teams’ strategies.

Team directors have indicated a shift toward more aggressive racing tactics, citing the new mountain stages as a key opportunity to shake up the general classification.

Organizational Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

Following a series of incidents in previous editions—most notably a rider’s crash on the steep descent of the Alto de l’Anglès—the Vuelta’s organizers have pledged to enhance rider safety. This includes the deployment of additional support vehicles on the most treacherous climbs and the installation of advanced communication systems to relay real‑time weather updates to teams.

Sustainability was another central theme of the conference. The race’s executive committee announced a partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Environment to reduce the event’s carbon footprint. Measures include the use of biodiesel for support vehicles, recycling initiatives at every stage finish, and a “Green Baggage” policy to minimize packaging waste.

“Cycling is the epitome of sustainable sport, and the Vuelta is proud to lead by example,” said López. “We want to ensure that the beautiful landscapes we race through remain pristine for future generations.”

Economic Impact and Local Engagement

The organizers highlighted the race’s economic benefits, citing a projected €100 million influx to local economies across the country. The economic assessment, released by the Spanish Federation of Cycling (RFE), points to significant boosts in hospitality, tourism, and media coverage for host cities.

Local governments in cities such as Zaragoza, Salamanca, and León have expressed enthusiasm for the Vuelta’s arrival, pledging to invest in infrastructure improvements and to host cultural events in tandem with the race stages.

“Hosting the Vuelta is more than a sporting event; it’s a chance to showcase our region’s heritage and to bring people together,” said Zaragoza’s mayor, Javier Lobo. “We’re looking forward to the influx of visitors and the global spotlight.”

Controversies and Ongoing Debates

Despite the positive framing, the race’s organization has not been without criticism. Some stakeholders—particularly from the cycling community—have expressed concerns over the tight scheduling that leaves little recovery time between mountain stages. In a letter to the Spanish press, the National Cycling Association (ACR) urged organizers to reconsider the stage spacing to avoid rider fatigue and potential injuries.

Additionally, the decision to keep the majority of the race within Spain has sparked debate among international fans, who argue for a more global route that could include stages in neighbouring Portugal or the Canary Islands. In response, López assured that the Vuelta’s identity remains firmly rooted in Spain but that future editions might explore expanded routes.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 Vuelta a España approaches, anticipation is high among fans, riders, and local communities alike. The organizers’ detailed plan—highlighting a blend of tradition, innovation, safety, and sustainability—positions the race to deliver a compelling spectacle. The final countdown began with the official launch of the race’s merchandise and a teaser video featuring the iconic Spanish landmarks that will be traversed.

The Vuelta’s organizers remain optimistic: “We have a challenging but exhilarating race ahead. We’re committed to delivering the best for the riders, the teams, the fans, and the Spanish people,” López concluded.

With the race set to commence on July 22, the world will be watching as Spanish roads, valleys, and peaks become the arena for what promises to be a memorable chapter in cycling history.