Pune Grand Tour 2026: All you need to know about India's biggest cycling event

India is on the brink of a historic moment as the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to become the country’s inaugural UCI 2.2 category multi-stage continental road race.

Scheduled from January 19 to 23, the five-day event places India firmly on the global professional cycling map and gives domestic riders a rare chance to compete at international standards on home roads.



“This event opens a direct pathway for our riders toward Olympic qualification,” said Cycling Federation of India (CFI) Secretary General Maninder Pal Singh, calling the race a defining moment for Indian cycling after years of groundwork to secure UCI accreditation.

India’s biggest home contingent

For the first time, India will field 12 riders in a UCI-accredited road race, its largest-ever contingent. The riders are split into two squads:

Indian National Team (6 riders)

• Naveen John
• Sahil Kumar
• Dinesh Kumar
• Harshveer Singh Sikhon
• Vishavjeet Singh
• Surya Thathu

Indian Development Team (6 riders)

• Sachin Desai
• Niraj Kumar
• Vivaan Sapru
• Manav Sarda
• Chirag Seghal
• Akshar Tyagi

The structure allows senior riders to compete alongside emerging talent. “Having both teams racing together at home is a big opportunity for younger riders,” said development team rider Manav Sarda.

Olympic significance

Beyond prestige, the Pune Grand Tour carries strategic value. The UCI points on offer contribute directly toward qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making it a critical test event for India’s long-term ambitions in road cycling.

Indian national team coach Maxat Ayazabayev believes hosting more such races is essential: “International-standard racing at home gives our riders valuable experience without the logistical challenges of racing abroad.”

Riders embracing the home challenge

Indian cyclists see home conditions as an advantage rather than pressure.

“I don’t see racing at home as pressure; I see it as motivation,” said national team rider Harshveer Sekhon.

Maharashtra’s Surya Thathu called it “incredibly special” to race a multi-stage event of this scale in his home state, adding that the professional support mirrors major international tours.

The race route at a glance

• Total distance: 437 km
• Riders: 171 from 29 teams
• Countries represented: 35
• Terrains: Deccan Plateau, Sahyadri ranges, urban Pune

Stages

• Jan 19: Prologue (7.5 km) – Goodluck Chowk
• Jan 20: Mulsi–Maval Miles (87.2 km) – urban sprints and sharp turns
• Jan 21: Maratha Heritage Circuit (105.3 km) – demanding ghats and climbs
• Jan 22: Western Ghats Gateway (134 km) – fast, tactical racing
• Jan 23: Pune Pride Loop (95 km) – technical city finish

Bigger than a race

Massive road upgrades completed in just 75 days have brought Pune’s infrastructure up to UCI standards, reinforcing its reputation as India’s “Cycle Capital”.

Organised by the Pune District Administration under the aegis of CFI, the event also highlights rural tourism, culture and sustainability.

As Indian riders line up with global professionals, the Pune Grand Tour stands as a rare convergence of international competition, Olympic ambition, and homegrown pride.


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