Pune will host the Pune Grand Challenge Tour in January 2026, modeled on Tour de France, covering 684 km across Pune district.
Around 75 km of the race route runs through Pune city, prompting urgent road repairs worth ₹145.75 crore.
The event, recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), will also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Pune, 9th September 2025: Pune is set to welcome the Pune Grand Challenge Tour, an international cycling race on the lines of the Tour de France, in January 2026. The race, jointly organized by the District Administration and the Cycling Federation of India, will cover 684 kilometers across Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the district.
Of this, nearly 75 kilometers pass through Pune city. To prepare, the municipal corporation has cleared a budget of ₹145.75 crore for resurfacing roads, repairing chambers, fixing footpaths, and removing encroachments. Officials confirmed that tenders for the work have already been floated, and the repairs are expected to be completed in the next two to three months.
According to the road department, the work has been divided into four packages, with costs ranging from ₹30 crore to ₹44 crore depending on length and condition. The entire project has been approved by the estimates committee.
The race is significant not only for Pune but for India’s cycling scene as a whole. It will be the country’s first UCI 2.2 Stage Road Race, carrying international recognition. For professional cyclists, it will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, ensuring participation from riders across the world.
Speaking about the preparations, officials said that Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and district agencies have “tightened their belts” to deliver smooth, world-class roads ahead of the event.
The international spotlight will be firmly on Pune as cyclists race past iconic stretches including Balewadi, University Road, JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Camp, Kondhwa, Khadakwasla, and more. With thousands of visitors expected, the championship is also seen as a boost to sports tourism in the region.