Pune Grand Challenge Tour: District Administration Gears Up for International Cycling Event in January 2026
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 29th October 2025: The Pune district administration has begun extensive preparations to host the ‘Pune Grand Challenge Tour’, an international cycling competition scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026. The event aims to promote cycling, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and boost tourism in the region.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi announced the details during a press conference, stating that efforts are underway in coordination with the Cycling Federation of India, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and other related organizations to ensure the successful organization of the historic event. The emblem, jersey, and mascot of the competition were unveiled earlier in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The press conference was jointly organized by the Cycling Federation of India, the Asian Cycling Federation, and the UCI. Asian Cycling Federation President and UCI Vice President Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Cycling Federation of India Secretary General Dato Maninder Pal Singh, and PGT Technical Director Pinasi Bisek were also present.
Collector Dudi informed that the total route length of the race will be 437 kilometers, covering about 250 villages across nine talukas of Pune district, including areas under the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations. The competition will comprise four stages, each approximately 100 kilometers long.
The Pune Grand Challenge Tour received international recognition on September 26, 2025, and was officially included in the UCI Cycling Calendar on October 5, 2025. Invitations have been sent to 210 international cycling federations, and so far, teams from 25 countries have confirmed their interest in participating.
“As per UCI 2.2 criteria, a maximum of 24 teams will compete, with each team consisting of four cyclists — bringing the total number of participants to 176,” Dudi said.
To test the readiness of the organizers and infrastructure, a National Cycle Competition will be held on December 28, 2025. For the smooth conduct of the event, various departments — including the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, Public Works, Health, and Sports Departments — are working in close coordination.
Committees have been formed at multiple levels to oversee arrangements, while several prominent companies, including Bajaj Auto, Serum Institute of India, Chitale Group, and Panchshil Group, have come forward as sponsors.
“The Pune Grand Challenge Tour will not only encourage citizens to adopt cycling as a sustainable mode of transport but also highlight Pune’s potential as a global sports and tourism destination,” Dudi added.
Officials from the organizing bodies also shared details of the event and expressed confidence that the Pune district will make a significant mark on the international cycling map.
