‘Village Trophy Tour’ Sweeps Through Rural Pune: International Race Fever Reaches Doorsteps of Villages Ahead of Pune Grand Tour
Pune, 16 January 2026: In a bid to take international sports from urban stadiums to the village square, the Pune District Administration has launched an extensive “Village Trophy Tour.” This promotional caravan is currently traversing the length and breadth of the district to build momentum for the upcoming Pune Grand Tour (scheduled for Jan 19–23, 2026).
According to District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the initiative serves a dual purpose: celebrating the new world-class infrastructure in rural areas and ensuring that the local population feels a sense of ownership over this global event.
“The World comes to the Village”
Speaking on the philosophy behind the tour, Collector Jitendra Dudi highlighted the shift in paradigm.
“The idea was to create awareness about the race among rural people. An excitement should be there that a race is going to come here,” Collector Dudi said. “Generally, we have to go to urban cities or stadiums to see players of this caliber. But now, international cyclists are coming to our villages. We should be able to know about them and welcome them properly.”
Dudi noted that the administration is already witnessing a “huge response” from the villages, with residents eagerly waiting to host the 171 international athletes.
The “Canter” Experience: Unicycles, Games, and Pride
According to the official tour plan, the Trophy Tour features a specially designed “Canter” (promotional truck) wrapped in the Pune Grand Tour branding. The vehicle is not just transporting the trophy but is a traveling festival.
The “Show Flow” includes:
Trophy Display Ceremony: allowing villagers to see the prize up close.
Unicycle Shows: to entertain the crowds.
Video Screenings: showcasing a “Vision Video” in Marathi and a “Trophy Making Video.”
Engagement: Fun games, giveaways, and photo ops to create a festive atmosphere.
The Route: Connecting History, Nature, and Schools
The Village Trophy Tour is split into three stages, covering schools, historic forts, and temples, ensuring the event touches every corner of the race route.
Stage 1: Mulshi and Maval (Jan 5 – Jan 7) The tour kicked off on January 5th, focusing on the western belt.
Key Villages: The tour visited Maan Gaon, Ghotawade, Paud, and Chale.
Historic Stops: On Jan 6th and 7th, the tour covered Kolwan, Hadashi, Tikona, and Thakursai.
Scenic Highlights: The itinerary included photo stops at the stunning Hadashi Lake, Tikona Fort, and Pawna Lake, showcasing the region’s tourism potential.
Stage 2: Purandar and Bhor (Jan 9 – Jan 11) Moving south, the tour engaged with the heart of the Sahyadris.
Key Venues: Visits include schools in Bopgaon, Chambali, and Narayanpur.
Cultural Significance: The route features major spiritual and historic landmarks, including a photo stop at the towering Lord Vitthal Statue in Bhivri, the Narayanpur Datta Mandir, and the majestic Purandar Fort.
Jan 10-11: The tour moves through Ketkawane, Sangavi BK, and Khed Shivapur, concluding at the famous Khadakwasla Dam.
Stage 3: Baramati and Daund (Jan 13 – Jan 15) The final leg of the trophy tour heads east.
The Temple Run: This stage includes visits to the iconic Jejuri temple and the Morgaon Ganpati temple.
Route: Stops are scheduled at Saswad, Supe, Nira, and Loni Bhapkar.
Ecological & City Stops: The tour will showcase the flamingos at Bhigwan and stop at the heritage structures in Daund, before hitting the commercial hub of Baramati at Main Chowk.
The Village Trophy Tour will culminate just days before the main race begins. By visiting Zilha Parishad schools and Gram Panchayats, the administration ensures that the Pune Grand Tour is not just a sporting event, but a celebration of rural Pune’s identity, heritage, and its new connection to the world.
