Pune, 17 January 2026: The historic and cultural land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stepped onto the global sporting stage as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially inaugurated and flagged off the Pune Grand Tour 2026.
Welcoming riders from different parts of the world, he said the event reflects how a city with a deep civilisational past is moving confidently towards the future.
Fadnavis described Pune as a place where history, culture, and modern development coexist. He said the city has already emerged as an international centre for technology and industry, and the Grand Tour adds a new dimension to its global identity. According to him, such events show how traditional heritage and modern sports can come together.
Praising the Pune district administration, the Chief Minister said infrastructure for the event was created in record time, demonstrating speed and efficiency in execution. He noted that the Grand Tour is not just a cycling race but a platform that opens new opportunities for tourism and global engagement.
The cycling route passes through Purandar and Khadakwasla and includes a challenges of the Western Ghats, offering a scenic view of the region’s natural beauty. Fadnavis also pointed out that Pune’s historic forts, recognised by UNESCO, underline the city’s rich legacy.
Calling cycling one of the world’s oldest yet most modern sports, he urged citizens to celebrate the event and said it would give people an opportunity to experience the historic land shaped by Shivaji Maharaj while presenting Pune to the world in a new light.
Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day Continental Cycling Race for Men, marking a milestone in India’s global professional cycling presence. The 437-km route spans the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges, featuring 171 elite riders from 29 teams across 35 countries. Organized by Pune District Administration and the Government of Maharashtra under the Cycling Federation of India, the race blends sporting excellence with Pune’s cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and rural tourism across 9 talukas and 150 villages.