Pune, January 20, 2025: An accident involving multiple cyclists was reported on Tuesday during Stage 1 of the Pune Grand Tour on the Mulshi–Kolvan Road in Pune district, causing panic among participants and spectators.
The collision occurred among riders in the second group of the peloton and is believed to have taken place on a narrow stretch of road, with some cyclists reportedly injured and others forced to abandon the track. Due to the incident, Rider No. 191 Enzo Fuentes Caparoli (Team Pro Cycling Stats), Rider No. 195 Marti Riera Casanovas (Pro Cycling Stats), and Rider No. 161 Abdul Halil Mohd Izzat (Team Malaysia National Team) could not complete Stage 1 today.
A statement issued by Bajaj Pune Tour said, "During Stage 1 of the Pune Grand Tour, there was an on-road incident involving riders in the second group of the peloton. As a precautionary measure and in line with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) safety protocols, the race was temporarily neutralised. UCI officials and the event medical team responded immediately. All affected riders are currently receiving the necessary medical checks, and technical teams are attending to the bicycles involved. Rider safety remains the highest priority for the organisers, officials, and the UCI. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."
As a precautionary measure and in line with UCI safety protocols, the race was temporarily neutralised. Local authorities and event officials rushed to the scene to manage the situation and clear the road. Several cyclists were unable to continue after misjudging the narrow road conditions.
The incident occurred on the Mulshi–Kolvan Road when the route narrowed abruptly at a sharp turn. Cyclists, reportedly travelling at speeds of 60–70 km/h, were unable to adjust to the sudden reduction in road width. When a leading rider lost balance, those immediately behind could not brake in time, triggering a large pile-up within seconds. Several cyclists were thrown off their bikes, and many sustained injuries. Some riders suffered serious injuries, and several high-end bicycles were badly damaged in the crash.
Questions have been raised about road safety and administrative preparedness, while officials continue to assess the cause of the accident. Further details are awaited.
India’s first continental multi-stage road race, the Pune Grand Tour 2026, began Monday with a prologue stage from Goodluck Chowk near Deccan Gymkhana. Today, January 20, Stage 1 of the tour—Mulshi–Maval Miles—began from TCS Circle in Hinjewadi Phase 3, which will cover 87.2 km with 828 metres of elevation, marking the first major test of endurance and teamwork.
Due to the incident, Rider No. 191 Enzo Fuentes Caparoli (Team Pro Cycling Stats), Rider No. 195 Marti Riera Casanovas (Pro Cycling Stats), and Rider No. 161 Abdul Halil Mohd Izzat (Team Malaysia National Team) could not complete Stage 1 today.