Prime Highlights
- The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 began with a 7.5 km prologue, marking one of India’s largest international cycling events.
- The event brings together 164 cyclists from 35 countries, highlighting Pune’s growing reputation as a global sports destination.
Key Facts
- The five-day race covers 437 km across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri ranges, with strict safety measures including 1,500 police personnel.
- Organised as India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage cycling race, the event also promotes local tourism, culture, and environmental awareness.
Background
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 started on Monday with a grand prologue race, kicking off one of India’s biggest international cycling events. Cyclists rode a 7.5-kilometre individual time trial through Pune city in the opening stage, showing the scale and global level of the competition.
A total of 164 cyclists from 28 teams, representing 35 countries, are taking part in the five-day race. The riders will cover a total distance of 437 kilometres across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri ranges. The prologue set the tone for the main stages scheduled from January 20 to 23.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar flagged off the prologue from Gopal Krishna Gokhale Chowk at 1.30 pm. Senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, and District Collector Jitendra Dudi, were present at the ceremony.
Cyclists started at one-minute intervals, with their individual timings counting toward the overall standings. Crowds cheered for the riders along the streets. Participants include cyclists from Asia, Europe and other regions, while India is represented by the Indian Development Team.
Performers played traditional dhol-tasha, people shouted patriotic slogans, and shows highlighted Pune’s cultural heritage during the opening ceremony. The event mascot, “Indu,” represented the endangered giant squirrel of the Sahyadris and promoted environmental awareness.
To ensure safety, around 1,500 police personnel have been deployed along the race routes, with emergency services on standby. Authorities have also announced traffic diversions and temporary road closures for the next stages, especially in Rajgad and Bhor talukas on January 21.
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 position Pune as a major destination for international sporting events while promoting local tourism and culture.