Pune Grand Tour 2026

India’s First UCI Class 2.2 Professional Cycling Stage Race

The Pune Grand Tour (PGT) 2026 is poised to make history as India’s first professional multi-stage road cycling event recognised on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar with a Class 2.2 classification – a landmark achievement for Indian cycling. The event will be held across four competitive stages over five days, taking riders through diverse terrain across Pune district while showcasing the scenic richness of Maharashtra.

The Tour is organised by the Pune District Administration, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Government of Maharashtra, and local civic bodies – with strong backing from corporate partners such as Bajaj as title sponsor for the 2026 season.

Event Dates & Venue

• Dates: 19–23 January 2026 (four competitive days).
• Location: Pune District, Maharashtra, India — covering urban roads, rural stretches, grasslands and hilly terrain.
• Distance: Approximately 437 km across four stages.

Pune – historically known as the City of Cycles — aims to reclaim its cycling heritage by hosting this global-standard event, designed to place India firmly on the world cycling map.

‍ Race Format & Structure

The Pune Grand Tour is a multi-stage professional road cycling race inspired by iconic global tours like the Tour de France. Elite teams compete across four unique stages, with a mix of terrain types that test endurance, climbing skill, sprinting ability and tactical team performance.

Stage Breakdown (Example known for Stage 1)

• Stage 1 – Pune to PCMC: ~91.8 km through grasslands, hills and backwaters.
• Stage 2 – Purandar & Haveli region: Rolling terrain through forts and rural landscapes.
• Stage 3 – Baramati region: Longer stage through countryside, plateaus and rural roads.
• Stage 4 – Final leg: Urban and peri-urban sections tying back to heritage zones in Pune.

Teams can include professional international riders, invited via national cycling federations. The event also integrates national squads (selected by CFI) to compete against elite teams from around the world.

International Significance

Securing UCI Class 2.2 status marks a historic moment for Indian cycling — the Pune Grand Tour is the first event of this calibre in India, offering riders the opportunity to earn UCI points that contribute toward Olympic qualification pathways and global rankings.

Organisers and state officials have emphasised that this race is designed not just as a one-off event but as the foundation for an annual international cycling calendar fixture in Pune.

Who Can Participate

• Professional Men’s Teams: National and international elite pro cycling teams (UCI-registered).
• National Teams: Cycling Federation of India (CFI) selected teams competing alongside global professionals.
• Elite Riders: Individuals qualifying through national federation criteria.
• (General public participation categories such as Gran Fondo or amateur events may be planned but formal details for 2026 editions remain to be confirmed by organisers.)

Route & Terrain Highlights

The Tour route is curated to expose riders to:

• Sahyadri foothills and hilly climbs — testing climbing and endurance
• Grasslands and plateaus — fast, rolling sections
• Urban-rural transitions — blending city roads with countryside vistas
• Historic forts and water bodies — cultural landscapes woven into the course
• Diverse surface conditions — requiring technical skill and team tactics
• Pune administration has undertaken extensive road upgrading and safety infrastructure work to meet UCI’s stringent standards, ensuring smooth surfaces and race-ready routes prior to the event.

Why Pune Grand Tour Matters

• Historic First: India’s first UCI-sanctioned, multi-stage professional cycling race.
• Global Stage: Draws international teams, Olympic pathway potential, and showcases Indian cycling talent.
• Diverse Challenges: Four stage formats that test sprinting, climbing, time-trial style endurance and team strategy.
• Scenic Route: Showcases Pune district’s geographic diversity — from hills to grasslands to urban streets.
• ️ Sports Tourism Boost: Expected to attract riders, support teams, media and spectators from around the world.

**Disclaimer: While we aim to provide accurate, timely event information, all details, including date, venue, category, and race logistics, are subject to change by the official organizers. Please verify the latest information through the official event channels before registering or participating.