A ₹35 crore international-standard velodrome will be built at Balewadi’s Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex to support professional cycling ahead of the Pune Grand Challenge Tour-2026.
The Tour—India’s first race of its kind—will span 600 km across diverse terrains in Pune district and is set to be a qualifying event for the Olympics, attracting global participation.
Officials are coordinating with international and national cycling bodies for UCI recognition and plan to declare a National Cycling Day during the event to promote the sport across India.
Pune, 21 July 2025: In preparation for the Pune Grand Challenge Tour-2026, a ₹35 crore velodrome is set to be constructed at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi. Announced during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, the initiative aims to strengthen Maharashtra’s cycling infrastructure and leave a lasting legacy for future athletes.
Designed to meet international standards, the velodrome will offer year-round training facilities for aspiring and professional cyclists. Sports Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale, who presented the proposal, said the facility will help both state and national athletes while promoting a cycling ecosystem in Pune. Pawar assured that funds for the project will be released without delay.
The Pune Grand Challenge Tour, scheduled for January 2026, will be India’s first global multi-stage cycling race, model on iconic competitions like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Spanning over 600 kilometers, the race will traverse diverse terrains across Pune district, including urban, rural, and hilly routes in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, Purandar, Bhor, and Velhe.
Officials from the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), along with local authorities, have already conducted route inspections to ensure international compliance. Roadwork, sanitation, emergency services, and traffic planning are underway. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized the urgency of completing infrastructure upgrades, particularly pothole repairs and route safety.
The event has been proposed for recognition by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in Switzerland. Once approved, it will be jointly organized by the UCI and CFI and serve as a qualifier for the next Olympic Games. The race is expected to attract competitors from nearly 50 countries, including 40 Indian cyclists, 10 from Maharashtra.
Officials are also seeking to declare a day during the race as National Cycling Day to boost the sport’s popularity across India. The event will be held in four stages and is set to be broadcast live in at least 25 countries, providing international exposure to Pune’s sporting and tourism potential.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar, PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill, CFI Secretary Maninder Pal Singh, and senior officials from multiple departments.
