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. No serious injuries were reported, and no one required hospitalization.
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."
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.
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.
Statement from Edward Park, President of Commissaire Panel (UCI) for Bajaj Pune Grand Tour read, " There was a crash in the middle of the peloton. This is quite common in road cycling races with large peloton and changing race dynamics, high-stake, high-speed environment. As a protocol, the race was neutralized for 23 minutes. Riders involved in the incident were immediately attended to with first aid by the medical staff in the convoy, and were allowed to change the bikes."
Rider Abdul Halil Mohd Izzat of the Malaysia National Team was unable to continue the race after the collision. Meanwhile, Enzo Fuentes Caparoli (No. 191) and Marti Riera Casanovas (No. 195), both from Pro Cycling Stats, managed to complete the race after changing the bikes.
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.