Indian Cyclist Surya Thathu Gears Up for Pune Grand Tour 2026
Excitement for the Pune Grand Tour
As the Pune Grand Tour 2026 approaches, Indian cyclist Surya Thathu has shared his enthusiasm about participating in this significant event for the Indian cycling community, which has its ups and downs. For the first time, India will send its largest team of 12 riders to compete in the country's inaugural Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) accredited road race. This five-day event, taking place from January 19 to 23, 2026, holds great importance for the cyclists, as it provides a chance to earn vital points for Olympic qualification for the 2028 Games.
Surya's Thoughts on the Race
In a media interaction, Surya expressed, "It feels incredible to represent our country on such a grand stage, especially in our homeland. This is a unique opportunity for every cyclist in India, and we hope it becomes a recurring event. It's a significant chance for us to showcase our skills and aim for podium finishes."
Preparation and Home Advantage
Discussing his preparations, Surya mentioned that they have been thorough, including race simulation sprints conducted in Patiala. He admitted to feeling a bit anxious about the race and how his body would respond during the competition. "Sometimes your body performs better than expected, while at other times, it may not meet your expectations. It all depends on race day, but we are well-prepared and working cohesively for a strong finish," he stated.
Surya acknowledged the pressure of competing on home turf but remains optimistic about his performance. "Knowing the roads and being accustomed to the local climate and conditions gives us an advantage. We have trained extensively on these roads, which helps us feel more prepared," he added.
Transitioning from Skating to Cycling
Surya shared his journey from skating to cycling, emphasizing that he initially relied on personal experience before seeking structured training. "I focused on endurance rides and sprinting but lacked a formal training program. While I achieved medals through my own efforts, competing at an international level requires a more strategic approach," he explained.
Growth as a Cyclist
In 2023, Surya decided to work with a coach to follow a structured training regimen that would help him identify his strengths and weaknesses. "Since then, I've transitioned from being a pure sprinter to becoming a proficient time trialist and climber. As a sprinter, explosiveness is key, but time trials require sustained power, which I've developed," he noted.
Enhancing Indian Cycling's Profile
Surya believes that the Pune Grand Tour, backed by Bajaj, will significantly contribute to the growth of cycling in India. "Cycling is gaining popularity in India, but a racing culture will only flourish with more events like this. Hosting such major races is crucial for our development," he remarked.
Post-competition, some Indian cyclists aim to gain international experience through races in Belgium and Dubai, as well as the UCI Grand Fondo World Championships later this year. "The Grand Fondo World Championships cater to amateur racers and are a step below professional competitions," he added.
Preference for Road Racing
Surya expressed his preference for road cycling over track cycling. "India has excelled in track cycling, with our under-18 team winning gold in 2018 and consistently earning medals at Asian championships. However, it would be beneficial for us to focus on road racing, an area where we currently lag behind," he stated.
He emphasized that the Pune Grand Tour will help shift focus towards road cycling, which is essential for the country's overall cycling development.
Advice for Aspiring Cyclists
In closing, Surya offered words of encouragement to young cyclists. "Pursue your dreams and don't give up easily. There will be times when results may not reflect your hard work, but it's crucial to stay calm, keep training, and trust the process. Your time will come, and with discipline and consistency, you will achieve your goals," he concluded.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 will feature Indian riders competing alongside international teams in a challenging multi-stage format that tests endurance, strategy, and teamwork. As the path to the Los Angeles Olympics begins to unfold, this event represents a unique opportunity that merges global competition with national pride.