Pune Grand Tour 2026: A Historic Milestone for Indian Cycling

The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks a historic moment for Indian cycling, becoming the country’s first multi-stage men’s road race to receive a UCI 2.2 classification from the Union Cycliste Internationale. This five-day continental event places India on the global professional cycling calendar for the first time.

The race spans a newly charted 437-kilometre course across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range, featuring steep climbs, sharp turns, and technically challenging terrain. A total of 171 riders from 29 teams, representing 35 countries, are competing in the tour.

Pune—long associated with a strong cycling culture and often called the City of Cycles—is hosting the event across District Pune, with support from multiple civic bodies and organizations. The aim is to showcase the region’s natural landscapes while positioning Pune as an international cycling destination.

Pune Grand Tour 2026: Full Schedule

- January 19 (Monday): Prologue – Goodluck Chowk (7.5 km) - January 20 (Tuesday): Stage 1 – Mulshi–Maval Miles (87.2 km) - January 21 (Wednesday): Stage 2 – Maratha Heritage Circuit (105.3 km) - January 22 (Thursday): Stage 3 – Western Ghats Gateway (134 km) - January 23 (Friday): Stage 4 – Pune Pride Loop (95 km)

The tour began on Monday with a 7.5-km prologue at Goodluck Chowk, designed to establish early general classification standings. The race then unfolds across four demanding stages, blending sprint finishes, sustained climbs, and tactical racing.

Stage Highlights and Key Routes

Stage 1, the Mulshi–Maval Miles , takes riders through Pune’s IT corridor, including Hinjewadi. This stage sets the tone for the technical and physical challenges ahead.

Stage 2 features the Maratha Heritage Circuit , with challenging ghat climbs near Purandar Fort, Sinhagad, and Khadakwasla Lake. This stage tests both endurance and technical skills.

Stage 3, the longest at 134 km , moves from Purandar to Baramati across the Deccan Plateau via the Western Ghats Gateway. Riders will face long stretches of open road and several significant climbs.

The tour concludes with the Pune Pride Loop , a 95-km urban circuit passing several city landmarks, including Shaniwar Wada. This stage is expected to be a thrilling finale, with a sprint finish in the heart of Pune.

Where to Watch Pune Grand Tour 2026 Live

Fans can follow the race live on the JioHotstar app and website, with live television coverage available on Star Sports channels.

Record Indian Participation

India has fielded a record 12-member contingent, its largest-ever representation in a UCI-accredited men’s road race. The national team is led by Asian Championship silver medallist Harshveer Singh Sekhon.

A Global Challenge on Indian Roads

Designed to test endurance, technical skill, and mental resilience, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is positioned as a global challenge, drawing elite cyclists from across continents and signaling India’s growing presence in international competitive cycling.