Pune, 19 January 2026: Today the Pune Grand Tour 2026 will begin on with a prologue race, marking the official start of the international cycling competition. The prologue will be held on an eight-kilometre route within Pune city and will play a decisive role in fixing the starting order for the remaining four stages of the race.
A total of 164 cyclists will compete in the event. Since it is not possible to release all riders on the route at the same time, the prologue, conducted as an individual time trial, will determine each rider’s starting position for the subsequent stages. For this reason, the opening race is considered extremely important for all participants.
The prologue will start at 1:30 pm from Gopal Krishna Gokhale Chowk in Deccan. The route will pass through key city junctions including the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Paduka Chowk and Sant Dnyaneshwar Paduka Chowk, before looping via Range Hill and returning through Jangli Maharaj Road.
The race is expected to conclude at the Deccan Gymkhana bus stop at approximately 4:33 pm.
Ahead of the event, cyclists have completed their final practice sessions, while the district administration has confirmed that all arrangements are in place. Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are witnessing a festive atmosphere, with major roads, flyovers, and entry points decorated with rangoli, artistic installations, and cycling-themed lighting.
The Pune Grand Tour will continue until Friday, January 23, with four competitive stages scheduled after the prologue.