Pune Gears Up for Grand Cycling Extravaganza: The Pune Grand Tour 2026
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveils The Pune Grand Tour 2026, India's first UCI 2.2 Pro Stage Elite Race, linked to the 2028 LA Olympics qualification. Covering 437 km in Maharashtra, it signifies a crucial step in enhancing sports infrastructure and nurturing national cycling talent.
- Country:
- India
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra on Wednesday unveiled the emblem and mascot of The Pune Grand Tour 2026, marking a historic moment for Indian cycling with its first-ever Pro Stage Elite Race. This UCI 2.2 international event, scheduled for January 19-23 next year, is set to pave the way for athletes aiming to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
With participants earning crucial points across a multi-stage road race stretching over 437 kilometers, The Pune Grand Tour is poised to position India prominently on the global sports stage. The race will showcase Maharashtra's diverse landscapes, including urban areas, hilly terrains, and rural expanses, reflecting the region's dynamic character.
Fadnavis highlighted the event as a pivotal point for Maharashtra's sporting landscape, emphasizing the government's commitment to advancing sports infrastructure. The tour aims to build a thriving ecosystem for cycling talent, heralding the rise of future national heroes in the sport.