Prime Highlights
- The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 began with a thrilling 7.5 km prologue, showcasing Pune as a key host for global sporting events.
- The event brings together 164 cyclists from 35 countries, highlighting India’s growing presence in international cycling.
Key Facts
- The race covers 437 km across the Sahyadri ranges from January 20–23, with strict safety measures including 1,500 police personnel deployed.
- The tour is India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage continental cycling race, aiming to place Pune on the global cycling map.
Background
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 began on Monday with a grand prologue race, marking the start of one of India’s biggest international cycling events. The opening race highlighted Pune’s growing reputation as a host city for global sporting competitions.
The 7.5-kilometre individual time-trial prologue was flagged off from Gopal Krishna Gokhale Chowk at 1.30 pm by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Several senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, and District Collector Jitendra Dudi, were present at the inauguration.
A total of 164 cyclists from 28 teams representing 35 countries are participating in the tournament. Riders will compete over a total distance of 437 kilometres across the Sahyadri ranges between January 20 and January 23. Cyclists rode the prologue at one-minute intervals, and their times counted toward the overall standings. Large crowds lined the route to cheer them on.
Cyclists from Asia, Europe, and other regions took part in the event, while the Indian Development Team represented India. During the opening ceremony, performers played the dhol-tasha, people shouted patriotic slogans and a cultural show highlighted Pune’s heritage. The event mascot, “Indu,” represented the endangered giant squirrel of the Sahyadris and helped raise awareness about the environment.
To ensure safety, around 1,500 police personnel have been deployed along the race route, with emergency services on standby. Authorities have also announced traffic diversions and road closures for Stage 2 of the race on January 21, particularly in Rajgad and Bhor talukas.
Cyclists praised the organisation and hospitality. Australian rider Hayden James said the event planning was precise, while Malaysian cyclist Kee Yee described the people as welcoming and the road conditions as suitable for cycling.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage continental cycling race and aims to place Pune firmly on the global cycling map.
