Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 Trophy Unveiled in Jaipur, Marking a Milestone for Indian Cycling
Unveiling of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour Trophy
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], December 20: The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour (BPGT) 2026 trophy, symbolizing India's growing influence in professional cycling, was revealed on Saturday during a prestigious event in Jaipur. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Jitendra Dudi, the Collector of Pune District, which will host the road race.
Among the attendees were notable figures such as Madan Rathore, Member of Parliament from Rajasthan; Niraj K. Pawan, the Sports Secretary of Rajasthan; Onkar Singh, Chairman of the Cycling Federation of India; and Sarika Choudhary, Chairperson of the Selection Committee for the Rajasthan Cycling Association.
Organized by the Pune District Administration under the leadership of Jitendra Dudi, with robust backing from the Maharashtra Government, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to be India's premier international cycling event. This inaugural UCI 2.2 classified road race will attract top cyclists from around the world to compete in India.
Known for its challenging routes and rich culture, the Pune Grand Tour aims to highlight Pune and India as significant players on the global cycling stage.
The trophy, crafted by the renowned Tambat Aali community of Pune, represents eight historic forts and pays homage to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its unveiling has sparked enthusiasm among cycling fans and the local populace, emphasizing Jaipur's contribution to the national sports scene.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari remarked, “It’s encouraging to witness India embracing new sports and demonstrating its capability to host major sporting events. The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a significant milestone as the first UCI classified race in India, which will enhance the profile of professional cycling in the country.”
Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Collector of Pune District and Race In-Charge for the Pune Grand Tour, expressed, “The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is the result of six months of dedicated efforts aimed at establishing a unique sporting event for India, with aspirations to elevate it further. The UCI 2.2 race is the entry-level category in international road cycling, and we aim to position India as a host for a UCI Pro Race, inspired by the Tour de France.”