Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to place India on the global cycling stage as the country gets ready to host its inaugural UCI 2.2 Men’s Elite Road Cycling Race.
Scheduled from 19 to 23 January 2026 in Pune District, the multi-stage event has already attracted interest from teams across four continents, reinforcing its status as a landmark moment in India’s sporting journey.
Global Participation Builds Momentum for the Pune Grand Tour 2026
The Pune Grand Tour is expected to host 28 competitive international teams, including four national teams from leading cycling nations.
Also Read: Pune Grand Tour 2026: Elite Race to Serve as Olympic Qualifier for LA 2028
India will participate with two national teams, India A and India B. Teams from the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have confirmed participation, positioning the event as a truly global competition.
Conceptualised by the Pune District Administration with strong support from the Government of Maharashtra, the four-stage UCI 2.2 road race spans 437 kilometres.
The route highlights Pune’s urban development, historic landmarks, and the region’s scenic rural expanses.
The event aims to deliver high-quality international racing while also promoting tourism, environmental awareness, and regional infrastructure.
Pune District Collector and Officer In-charge of the Pune Grand Tour, Jitendra Dudi (IAS), expressed pride in the overwhelming global response. He noted that leading cycling nations have shown strong interest, and highlighted the Union Cycliste Internationale’s support in helping develop and promote the sport in India. He added that the race presents an opportunity for Pune to emerge as a premier international cycling destination.
Also Read: Pune Grand Tour 2026 to Debut in January with 437 km UCI-Approved Multi-Stage Race
Four Stages of the Pune Grand Tour 2026 to Test Global Riders
The Pune Grand Tour features four challenging stages designed across diverse terrains, pushing competitors through steep climbs, rapid flats, technical city routes, and rolling countryside stretches.
- Stage 1: Mulsi-Maval Miles (91.8 km, 956 m elevation)
- A dynamic opening stage passing through Hinjewadi, combining fast sprints, sharp urban turns and scenic landscapes.
- Stage 2: Maratha Heritage Circuit (109.15 km, 1466 m elevation)
- A demanding climb through iconic locations including Purandar Fort, Sinhagad and Khadakwasla Lake, testing endurance and elevation strength.
- Stage 3: Western Ghats Gateway (137.07 km, 820 m elevation)
- Stretching from Purandar to Baramati, this stage favours strategy and speed with crosswinds and rolling terrain.
- Stage 4: Pune Pride Loop (99.15 km, 560 m elevation)
- The concluding stage winds through Pune’s historic and modern landmarks, including Shaniwar Wada, leading to a dramatic city-centre finish.
With global attention focused on Pune in January 2026, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour aims to strengthen India’s position in the world of competitive cycling and inspire future athletes. The event is set to become a milestone for India’s presence in international UCI racing.
