Pune, 23 January 2026: Pune has etched its name into Indian sporting history with the successful hosting of the country’s first-ever UCI 2.2 professional cycling race, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour. The four-day event, staged across the Western Ghats and the city’s streets, has not only marked India’s entry into global professional cycling but has already prompted discussions about its return and a possible upgrade in race status in the coming years.
Officials believe the Pune Grand Tour has laid a strong foundation for the event’s return in the coming years, though not necessarily in the same format or city every time. Race Director Jamaludin Mahmood said the successful debut and strong public support indicate the race is “here to stay,” with organisers hopeful of bringing it back to India, possibly even next year. UCI Director General Amina Lanaya said the governing body is considering upgrading the race’s status, signalling a long-term commitment to cycling in India.
Pune Grand Tour 2026: Quality Beyond Its Category
Race Director Jamaludin Mahmood hailed the Pune Grand Tour as a world-class event despite its entry-level UCI classification. “The Pune Grand Tour is one of the best races in the world. We are only 2.2, but our quality is more than 2.2,” he said. “We will be one of the best races in the world within the next three years, we can promise that.” He further added
Addressing the challenges of organising the race in India, Mahmood described them as positive. “Everywhere it’s a challenge, but here it’s a nice challenge. The people are very supportive and sporting. When the government has the support of the people, this race will only get bigger,” he said, adding that the event is firmly here to stay for the years to come.
UCI Director General Amina Lanaya confirmed the governing body’s intent to strengthen its footprint in India. “Next year, we hope that we could upgrade the status of the race,” Lanaya said.
Both Race Director Mahmood and CFI Secretary General Maninder Pal Singh agreed that the event has significantly raised Pune’s profile on the global cycling map, attracted positive feedback from international teams, and demonstrated India’s capacity to host elite professional cycling. The race is widely seen as a starting point that could lead to higher-category events, positioning Pune and India as an emerging destination for international cycling.
Mahmood also highlighted the global attention the event has brought to the city. “Everyone now knows where Pune is and what Pune is—not just people from Maharashtra or India, but the world,” he said, expressing hope that the race will return to India, possibly in another state or city. “India is going to be one of the cycling attractions in the future.” He added.
While Europe remains the traditional stronghold of professional cycling, the Pune Grand Tour has made it clear that India is ready to shoulder larger responsibilities.
The tour was initiated by Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi and received support from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. According to organisers, road infrastructure upgrades and race logistics required to meet UCI standards were completed in under 90 days. The event also led to temporary school and college closures, traffic diversions and disruptions to daily life for residents in parts of Pune during the race period.