Pune, a city historically celebrated as India's 'Cycle Capital', is set to reclaim its glorious two-wheeled heritage in a grand fashion. The Pune Grand Tour 2026, a prestigious international road cycling race, will roll out in January next year, aiming to re-establish the city on the global sporting map.
From 'Poona' Pedals to Global Stage: A Rich Legacy
Pune's love affair with the bicycle is deeply rooted in its geography and culture. Its hilly landscapes and picturesque surroundings made it an ideal city for cycling, earning it the moniker 'Cycle Capital of India' during the 1960s and 1970s. Even as scooters gained popularity in the 1980s, cycles remained a staple, with shops like the Kulkarni Cycle Mart bustling with activity, especially when students queued up after board exams.
This sporting culture was epitomized by the iconic Bombay-Poona bicycle race, first organized in 1945 by Sydney Chorder. Starting from Kala Ghoda in Bombay, cyclists would tackle a grueling 200-kilometre route, including a steep 11-kilometre climb, before finishing in Pune's Shivaji Nagar. The race, which crowned the 'Bhor Ghaat Cha Raja' (King of the Ghats), was last held in 2018. The upcoming Pune Grand Tour is a direct successor to this storied legacy.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026: Details and Ambitions
Sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport's global governing body, the race is categorized as a Class 2.2 Continental Team’s Men’s Elite Road Cycling Race. It is scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026.
The event will span 437 kilometres across four competitive stages, zigzagging through nine talukas and 150 villages. The route is designed to challenge riders with Pune's diverse terrain, taking them through urban stretches, the serene foothills of the Sahyadris, and rural landscapes.
Organized by the Pune District Administration and the Government of Maharashtra, with support from the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), the race expects participation from 28 teams, including four national squads. India will field two teams: 'India A' and 'India B'. Major cycling nations like the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and several Asian countries have shown keen interest.
IAS Jitendra Dudi, Collector of Pune District, expressed enthusiasm about the international response, stating the event is Pune's moment to establish itself as an international cycling destination.
Road to Revival: Infrastructure and Future Vision
One of the most significant challenges for the organizers, including tournament director Pinaki Bysack, is preparing the roadways to meet strict international safety standards. This involves extensive treatment of potholes and rough patches to achieve the required roughness index and road width.
Towards this goal, the civic body has already filled nearly 3,000 potholes. Contractors, the PWD, and consulting agencies have completed about 80% of the course work on the outskirts, pending final inspection by the UCI.
The overarching vision for the Pune Grand Tour is to create a lasting legacy. With a budget of Rs 500 crore allocated for road surface treatment, the long-term objectives are ambitious:
- Upgrade the race from Class 2.2 to 2.1 and eventually to the professional tier.
- Expand the race distance from 437 km to 460 km.
- Generate substantial business and tourism opportunities in both urban and rural areas along the route.
The development is timely, coinciding with the upcoming New Pune International Airport in Purandar, expected to begin construction in May 2026 and handle 75 million passengers annually. This synergy could significantly boost regional tourism. Ultimately, the Pune Grand Tour aims to inspire a new generation of cyclists and position India as a premier host for future UCI world-class events.
