Pune Grand Tour Gets UCI's Class 2.2 Status; Olympic Qualification Points Event
Pune will host India’s first UCI Class 2.2 cycling race with Olympic qualification points.
The 437 km multi-stage race runs from January 19–23, 2026.
The event will boost Indian cycling, tourism, and global recognition.
Pune, 25 October 2025: India is set to host its first international Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 2.2 cycling race, the Pune Grand Tour 2026, offering riders the chance to earn Olympic qualification points. Scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026.
The five-day race will cover 437 km through urban streets, hilly terrain, and rural landscapes of Pune district, testing athletes’ endurance and skill.
Modelled on iconic international races like the Tour de France, the Pune Grand Tour combines competitive racing with the celebration of Pune’s geographic diversity and cultural backdrop. The event is officially recognized in UCI's annual calendar as an elite competition, putting India on the global cycling map.
Jitendra Dudi, Pune District Collector, said, “Hosting a UCI Class 2.2 race in Pune is a historic step. It will become an annual event that unites sport, tourism, and community pride while enhancing local infrastructure.”
Pankaj Singh, President of the Cycling Federation of India, added, “The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a milestone for Indian cycling. Our athletes will compete alongside top international riders, raising India’s profile in the sport.”
David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, welcomed Pune’s inclusion in the UCI calendar, calling it “a significant milestone for Indian cycling and a sign of the region’s commitment to world-class sporting events.”
Organized by the Pune District Administration and the Maharashtra Government in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, the Pune Grand Tour 2026 aims to make Pune a global cycling destination while providing athletes with a world-class competitive platform.
