India's first UCI 2.2 multi-stage cycling race, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, kicks off today in Pune. It features 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries, including two Indian squads. The city has upgraded roads and infrastructure to host this landmark event.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 begins on Monday with an 8-kilometer prologue starting from Goodluck Chowk on Ferguson College Road and ending at the Deccan bus stop. The 437-kilometer route will wind through picturesque areas like Mulshi, Maval, Rajgad, and Purandar. District Collector Jitendra Dudi said, 'We linked a sporting event to the city's legacy to ensure infrastructure development.' The administration allocated Rs 500 crore for road repairs, removed over 2,000 speed breakers, and widened roads to meet international standards.
The Indian National Team features Naveen John from Bengaluru, a 10-time national champion and first Indian in a UCI Continental team; Surya Ramesh Thathu from Pimpri-Chinchwad, recipient of the Shiv Chhatrapati Award and Best Cyclist of 2024; Vishavajeet Singh from Patiala, national record holder in pursuits; Sahil Kumar from Haryana, an Indian Air Force rider with multiple National Games medals; Dinesh Kumar from Odisha, who set a Games record in Individual Pursuit; and Harshveer Singh Sekhon from Ludhiana, who competed at the 2024 Track Cycling World Championships.
The Indian Development Team includes Sachin Desai from Maharashtra, a national record holder; Manav Sarda from Rajasthan, U23 national champion; Vivaan Sapru from Mumbai, Khelo India medalist; Niraj Kumar from Haryana, Asian Games participant; Dhruv Dahiya from Bengaluru, a military officer pursuing cycling; and Akshar Tyagi from New Delhi, multiple U23 time trial champion.
Tournament head Pinaki Bysack remarked, 'In June, seeing the roads, I thought the event couldn't happen, but the fast-track work changed that.' MS Dhoni has joined as brand ambassador. This UCI 2.2 race, the largest ever with 171 riders, offers Olympic qualification points and could position Pune as a global cycling hub. Cycling Federation secretary general Maninder Pal Singh noted it provides Indian riders direct competition against professionals. However, town planner Anita Benninger cautioned that boosting tourism might increase vehicles, urging focus on livability instead.
