Pune is set to host its first Grand Tour-style cycling race from January 19, as the five-day Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 combines elite endurance sport with a sweeping narrative of the region’s history and cultural legacy.
The maiden edition of the multi-stage race will cover 437 km across one prologue and four stages, traversing the Deccan plateau and the Sahyadri mountain ranges. A total of 171 elite cyclists from 35 countries, including France, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, China and Thailand, will take part, the organisers said on Sunday.
Organised by the Pune District Administration with support from the Maharashtra government, the event aims to project Pune as a global sporting and tourism destination, while spotlighting its historical landmarks and natural landscapes through live race commentary.
“This is not just another sporting event. It is a unique opportunity to showcase Pune to the world -- its scenic beauty, breathtaking Sahyadri mountain trails, glorious history, iconic heritage sites and forts, and rich cultural legacy -- while giving a major boost to tourism,” District Collector Jitendra Dudi said.
The carefully designed race routes pass through varied terrain, with organisers preparing detailed literature on villages, heritage sites, lakesides and iconic forts along the way, assisted by a team of Indologists.
“The race will be broadcast on sports channels worldwide. The idea is to use the historical significance of places located along the race routes during the live race commentary. For instance, if the race passes through the Sinhgad Fort area, the commentators will tactfully weave in the fort's historical importance, the story of the Battle of Sinhagad (1670), and how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj entrusted his military commander Tanaji Malusare with the task of conquering the fort,” Dudi said.
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As the race moves through the city, landmarks such as Shaniwarwada, Shrimant Dagadusheth Temple, Pataleshwar Caves on J M Road, Fergusson College, the National War Memorial and Savitribai Phule Pune University will feature in the commentary, alongside their historical significance.
“Pune has a timeless legacy of cycling. Its vibrant urban character, breathtaking geography from the Sahyadri mountain trails, serene lakesides, historic forts and open countryside will make this event a true rider's dream,” Dudi said, adding that the routes promise world-class competition amid scenic beauty.
“We have ensured that every detail - from race infrastructure and logistics to safety, hospitality and cultural experiences - has been curated to global standards, ensuring a seamless and inspiring experience for cyclists,” he added.
Indologist Ashutosh Bapat, who is part of the content curation team, said precise material has been prepared on forts, temples, caves, ancient trade routes, religious sites, water bodies and tourism zones for integration into live commentary.
“Take the example of Purandar Fort. Concise information about the fort, dating back to the 11th century, and its key role in Mughal-Maratha relations has been curated to be woven into the race commentary,” Bapat said.
Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, said the race will feature meticulously designed stages that traverse Pune’s diverse terrain, offering both a formidable challenge to riders and a striking visual spectacle.
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