Pune Grand Tour 2026 Goes Global: Jio Star and Warner Brothers Discovery Onboarded as Official Broadcast Partners in India and Europe
Pune, 18th January 2026: A new era dawns upon Indian cycling with Pune set to establish itself as a Global District with the inaugural Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage road race, unveiling distribution plans with two of the world’s premier broadcasters, JioStar and Warner Brothers Discovery.
The landmark five-day race, starting on 19 January 2026, will see a fierce competition between riders from 28 teams who have arrived in Pune from Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa tackling challenging routes of 437-kms through the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, blending high-stakes sport with the region’s rich heritage.
Having last week named former Indian cricket captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni as the Goodwill Ambassador for Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, the organisers have now announced another major addition to the most exciting event, bringing Star Sports and JioHotstar onboard for LIVE broadcast in India, and Warner Brothers Discovery’s OTT platforms, HBO Max and Discovery+, for live streaming in Europe.
Additionally, the live stream can be accessed around the world outside of India on www.punegrandtour.in. These broadcast arrangements will reach millions, showcasing Pune’s newly laid cycling routes through the district’s scenic and diverse landscapes and cultural legacy.
The Eurosport and Eurosport Asia television channels – the home of all cycling – will showcase Highlight packages across 61+ countries combined.
Live English commentary of the Tour will be anchored by acclaimed television presenter Ned Boulting, who has reported on every Tour de France since 2003. He will be joined by former professional cyclist Graham Jones, a five-time Tour de France rider, and former Indian cyclist Abhijit Sett. The commentary team combines decades of elite racing experience and broadcast expertise to deliver authoritative and engaging coverage of the India’s first UCI approved cycling Tour.
Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Collector, Pune District and In-charge Bajaj Pune Grand Tour said, “We are extremely delighted to bring Bajaj Pune Grand Tour to the global audience and establish Pune and India permanently in the UCI cycling calendar. The Pune Grand Tour is a collaborative effort by Pune District Administration, Government of Maharashtra and Cycling Federation of India, that brings together the best of international as well as home grown Indian riders. We are confident that sports fans across the world will enjoy watching the arrival of India on the global cycling stage.”
Broadcast Details:
LIVE Streaming
Star Sports & JioHotstar: India Sub-continent and India respectively
HBO Max & Discovery+ : 70+ territories including all major markets in Europe.
HIGHLIGHTS
Eurosport 1: 50+ countries
Eurosport Asia: 11 countries
Commentators
Ned Boulting, Graham Jones and Abhijit Sett
Information About Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026
Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day Continental Cycling Race for Men, marks a watershed moment for the India’s presence in the global professional circuit. A gruelling 437-km route passes through the diverse terrains of Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges, the event has received an unprecedented field of 171 elite riders from 29 teams representing five continents and 35 countries. Organised by Pune District Administration, Government of Maharashtra under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India, the race combines high-performance sporting excellence, celebrating Pune’s cultural heritage, historic landmarks and rural tourism through 9 talukas and 150 villages.
World-Class Infrastructure & Global Ambition
Central to the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour’s success is a massive infrastructure overhaul, highlighted by the rapid road construction, upgrades with safety protocols in just 75 days. This project is part of a broader district-wide initiative in upgrading the road infrastructure to meet stringent UCI guidelines, ensuring top-tier safety and ride quality. By delivering this world-class arena, Bajaj Pune Grand Tour not only reclaims Pune’s legacy as India’s “Cycle Capital” but also establishes a permanent blueprint for sustainable urban-rural development and positions India as a premier destination for international sports tourism and elite competitive cycling.
Race Stages
19 Jan 2026: PROLOGUE (7.5 KM) – GOODLUCK CHOWK: Team’s pole position
20 Jan 2026: STAGE 1: MULSI-MAVAL MILES (87.2 KM, Elevation 828 M): Weaving through Pune’s IT hub Hinjewadi, this opening stage combines flat sprints with sharp urban turns, focusing on landmarks and scenery, blending tech with nature.
21 Jan 2026: STAGE 2: MARATHA HERITAGE CIRCUIT (105.3 KM, Elevation 1051 M): Cyclists will ascend the challenging ghats, facing steep gradients of the Purandar Fort, Sinhagad and Khadakwasla Lake, making the Day-2 a true test of endurance.
22 Jan 2026: STAGE 3: WESTERN GHATS GATEWAY (134 KM, Elevation 1024 M): Stretching across the Deccan plateau from Purandar to Baramati, Day-3 favours speed and tactical prowess, with crosswinds and rolling terrain to keep competitors on edge.
23 Jan 2026: STAGE 4: PUNE PRIDE LOOP (95 KM, Elevation 578 M): The final phase winds through the urban sprawls of Pune, passing through modernity and historic relevance like Shaniwar Wada, featuring technical sections and a dramatic finish.
