India's First Global Cycling Race: Pune Grand Tour Set to Debut in January
The Pune Grand Tour, a 2.2-level event recognized by the UCI, is set to debut from January 19 to 23, 2026. This elite race, sponsored by the Bajaj Group and the Serum Institute of India, will cover 437 km across Pune district and serve as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Pune Grand TourCyclingUciTourismOlympicsReal Estate PuneOct 29, 2025
The Pune Grand Tour will be a 2.2-level event recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling. It will be organised by the Pune District Administration, Maharashtra’s Ministry for Sports and Youth Welfare, and the Cycling Federation of India.
This four-day multi-stage race will cover approximately 100 km each day, totalling about 437 km across Pune district, passing through nine talukas, 100 villages, and the cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The event will serve as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, allowing international participants to earn race points.
Jitendra Dudi, the Pune district collector and in charge of the Pune Grand Tour, stated that the state, district, and city administrations are investing Rs 422 crore to develop road infrastructure in line with global cycling standards. Current sponsors have committed Rs 35 crore towards the event and prize money, with more sponsors expected to join in to enhance support.
The planned route aims to highlight Pune’s Sahyadri mountains, historical forts, grasslands, hill stations, and religious sites. So far, 25 countries have confirmed their participation, which will help position India on the global cycling map while boosting tourism in the region and promoting cycling as a viable commuting option. Dudi envisions making this a legacy event, ultimately to be managed by an independent company similar to the Tour de France. Although this event starts with a 437 km route, there are aspirations to expand it to 2,100 km in the future.
Indu, an Indian giant squirrel, will serve as the official mascot of the Pune Grand Tour. A national racing event will be organised in December 2025 as a precursor to this major event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pune Grand Tour?
The Pune Grand Tour is India’s first-ever Pro State Elite Race for men, scheduled to take place from January 19 to 23, 2026. It is a 2.2-level event recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Who are the sponsors of the Pune Grand Tour?
The Bajaj Group is the title sponsor, and the Serum Institute of India is the co-sponsor. Additional support comes from food company Chiatale and real estate firm Panchshil Group.
How long is the race and what areas will it cover?
The race will cover approximately 100 km each day, totalling about 437 km across Pune district, passing through nine talukas, 100 villages, and the cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
What is the significance of the Pune Grand Tour for international participants?
The event will serve as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, allowing international participants to earn race points.
What are the future plans for the Pune Grand Tour?
There are aspirations to expand the route to 2,100 km in the future, and the event is envisioned to become a legacy event managed by an independent company similar to the Tour de France.
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