Inauguration of Pune Grand Tour 2026: A Milestone for Indian Cycling
Pune Grand Tour 2026 Officially Launched
On Saturday, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, inaugurated the Pune Grand Tour (PGT) 2026, marking the start of India's inaugural UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Cycling Road Race. The event's opening ceremony saw the presence of notable figures such as Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation; Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education; and Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development, Transport, Social Justice, and Medical Education, along with senior officials from the Pune District Administration and State Sports authorities.
Celebrating Maharashtra's Infrastructure Achievements
The Chief Minister welcomed participants from over 35 nations, emphasizing that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is not just a sporting event but a testament to Maharashtra's capability to provide world-class infrastructure and sporting environments swiftly. He praised the Pune district administration and various departments for their remarkable achievement in preparing 437 kilometers of race-ready roads, complete with safety measures and logistics, all in alignment with UCI standards, accomplished in an unprecedented timeframe.
A Vision for the Future of Indian Sports
Devendra Fadnavis remarked, "The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour symbolizes the future of Indian sports. What usually takes years has been achieved in mere months, with infrastructure of international standards developed at an unmatched pace. This event is not just for today; it lays the groundwork for a legacy envisioned for the next 75 years and beyond. Pune, where history converges with the future, will gain global recognition as a hub for elite sports, tourism, and culture."
Commitment to Excellence
Reiterating the Government of Maharashtra's unwavering support, the Chief Minister assured that the state is dedicated to creating the best possible environment for riders, teams, and officials, prioritizing safety, hospitality, and the seamless execution of the event. He concluded by encouraging all participants to embody the spirit of sportsmanship, stating, "Let us unite to celebrate cycling, one of the oldest yet most contemporary sports; together, we will ensure the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour achieves global success."