Javier Guillén: “We must speak up for Peace”

Through its “La Vuelta es más” program, La Vuelta aims to go beyond a simple cycling competition to promote peace, solidarity, education, and sustainable mobility. With Peace and Sport, the 2026 edition wants to affirm more than ever the role of sport as a driver of social transformation.

Interview with the Director of the Tour of Spain.

Solidarity and inclusion are values shared by Peace and Sport and La Vuelta. How are they concretely reflected in the organization of the race and in the actions you support?

Solidarity is not a value unique to La Vuelta; it is a value of cycling, a sporting value and a universal one. Without mutual support between teams and athletes, the competition could not take place. La Vuelta must promote the values of sport. This is the spirit behind the concept of “La Vuelta es más” (La Vuelta is more) was born, designed to amplify the reach of these values. The ambition of this program is for La Vuelta to be more than just a cycling competition, but also a major platform for communication and action: a space for conveying powerful messages and carrying out initiatives that can have a real and concrete impact on society.

 

The program “La Vuelta es Más” is one of the pillars of your impact strategy. What exactly does it represent?

“La Vuelta es Más” is much more than a slogan. It reflects the responsibility that any major international sporting event must assume. La Vuelta reaches 190 countries and benefits from an exceptional audience. The idea is to mobilize our communication power to carry out solidarity actions and, more broadly, initiatives that contribute to positive social change.One of the pillars is sustainability. Cycling represents sustainable mobility and, through an initiative we call “Más es menos”, we encourage policies aimed at reducing carbon footprints. We try to lead by example during La Vuelta by increasingly using electric vehicles, and we also have a large fleet of hybrid vehicles. We also work on optimizing staff travel: instead of one person per car, we encourage carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles.

In addition, we pay particular attention to reducing plastic use. La Vuelta has set itself the objective of minimizing it as much as possible. We no longer distribute water bottles; instead, water fountains are installed so everyone can refill freely without using disposable bottles or cups throughout the day.

We also try to act in a spirit of solidarity by raising funds that are later used for initiatives linked to carbon footprint compensation.

 

Solidarity is a key theme. How does it translate concretely?

We indeed have a pillar dedicated to solidarity. We work in particular with the “El Sueño de Vicky” Foundation, which raises funds for childhood cancer research. Each year, we also seek to build new partnerships. This is the case with Peace and Sport, as we share the same values.

 

Education is another key pillar of the “La Vuelta es Más” program. How is it put into practice, particularly through the Vuelta Junior initiative?

Education from childhood is indeed an essential pillar. We have set up La Vuelta Junior, an initiative aimed at children. The aim is not so much to create a competition as to encourage the younger generation to take up cycling and discover its world. Through this initiative, we also convey messages about sustainability, mobility, nutrition, health and, more broadly, sports. In collaboration with schools, several groups of young people cover the last kilometer of certain stages, with all the infrastructure of a professional finish line: bikes, helmets, race director’s car, safety equipment. This allows them to experience the magic of La Vuelta as they see it on television with the professional riders.

 

What kind of legacy would you like to strengthen with the “La Vuelta es Más” program?

Personally, I would like cycling to become an integral part of the DNA of Spaniards, and more broadly of all Europeans. Cities are undergoing constant transformation today, and we obviously have an important role to play in protecting the environment. I believe that cycling is a credible alternative to fuel-powered vehicles. But cycling isn’t just about reducing pollution: it also allows us to practice sport, makes us happier, and contributes to more inclusive societies. Ultimately, if we make cycling a way of life, our lives will be better.

 

What is the situation in Spain? Are Spaniards cycling more every year?

Cycling is growing rapidly in Spain. Bicycles are increasingly present in cities, and policymakers are becoming more aware and determined to make urban spaces accessible to cyclists. We would like this evolution to happen even faster. Many cities are already committing to cycling mobility, which is very positive. But to accelerate this transition, it is essential to invest more in proper infrastructure and ambitious public policies. I know it is costly, but it is important that all cities feel concerned. It is not always easy because the topography of cities is not always flat, like in Belgium or the Netherlands. Electric bikes are a good ally in overcoming these challenges.

 

After last year’s disruptions, is it essential for you to highlight the universality of cycling?

I believe sport in general, and cycling in particular, has something magical. Sport is a universal language. Cycling is understood the same way everywhere in the world, just like football, rugby, or basketball. We must use this universal language to move forward together. Cycling should help build bridges where conflicts exist. This is very important because, through sport and athletes, who are our best ambassadors, we can influence mindsets. When mindsets change, attitudes change, and when attitudes change, societies transform. We must therefore always be a vector for peace, never a factor of division. Whenever we act, we must seek to promote understanding and engagement from everyone.

 

Through the partnership with Peace and Sport, what is planned for the start of La Vuelta 2026 in Monaco?

What is certain is that we are currently going through a very difficult period. The world is facing new conflicts. I sincerely hope that by the time La Vuelta arrives, some conflicts will have ended. With Peace and Sport, we must be the spokespeople for peace, especially through the organization of the “Ride for Peace” parade. We must remind the world that war is not a solution. It is bad for everyone, which is why we must mobilize for peace. More than ever, this will be our goal at the start in Monaco. We need peace.

 

Why is it important to organize an initiative like this for La Vuelta?

La Vuelta will start in Monaco, where Peace and Sport, the Organization that promotes Peace through Sport, has its headquarters. Beyond the many lives that need to be protected, it is also our future that is at stake. La Vuelta must also serve this purpose: contribute to the search for solutions based on peace rather than war.

 

In the longer term, how do you see La Vuelta in five years’ time?

I would like La Vuelta to be associated with the great sport of cycling, but not to be perceived solely from a sporting perspective. I want people to talk about “La Vuelta es más” as a solid program and for everyone to know that La Vuelta is much more than just a competition. Cycling has the advantage of being a popular sport. The races take place on the streets, close to the people. It’s the best way to reach them directly and convey the values of cycling. Spectators don’t pay for tickets, and we can go out and meet them in their neighborhoods. We have to capitalize on that.

By Simon Bardet

 

 

 

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