Prime Highlights
- The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 began with a 7.5 km prologue, showcasing Pune’s capability to host major international cycling events.
- The event features 164 cyclists from 35 countries, promoting global competition and sports tourism in India.
Key Facts
- The five-day race spans 437 km across the Sahyadri ranges and Deccan Plateau, with around 1,500 police personnel ensuring safety along the route.
- It is India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage cycling race, combining sports, culture, and environmental awareness through performances and the mascot “Indu.”
Background
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 started with a grand city prologue on Monday, beginning India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage international cycling race. The opening stage highlighted Pune’s growing presence on the global sporting map.
A total of 164 cyclists from 28 teams and 35 countries are participating in the race. Over the next few days, riders will cover 437 kilometres across the Sahyadri ranges and the Deccan Plateau. The prologue featured a 7.5-kilometre individual time trial, with cyclists starting at one-minute intervals and their timings counted for overall rankings.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar flagged off the race from Gopal Krishna Gokhale Chowk in the afternoon. Senior officials from the district and civic administration were present at the event. Large crowds gathered along the route and cheered the riders as they passed through the city.
The opening ceremony showed Pune’s culture, with performers playing dhol-tasha and displays highlighting the city’s heritage. “Indu,” the race mascot based on the endangered giant squirrel of the Sahyadris, helped people learn about protecting the environment.
To keep everyone safe, authorities deployed around 1,500 police officers along the route and kept emergency services ready. They also announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions for the next stages of the race.
The second stage of the competition will take cyclists through Rajgad and Bhor talukas on January 21. The district administration has urged motorists to follow alternative routes during the race hours to avoid inconvenience.
Organised by the Pune District Administration and the Government of Maharashtra, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage cycling race. Officials said the event will help promote cycling, boost sports tourism, and position Pune as a key city for international sporting events.
