Inauguration of Pune Grand Tour 2026: A Milestone in Indian Cycling
Pune Grand Tour 2026 Kicks Off
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 17: The Pune Grand Tour (PGT) 2026 was officially launched on Saturday by Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. This event marks the beginning of India's inaugural UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Cycling Road Race.
The 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, among other senior officials from the Pune District Administration and State Sports authorities.
Welcoming participants from over 35 nations, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 transcends a mere sporting event, highlighting Maharashtra's capability to provide world-class infrastructure and an international-standard sporting environment at an unprecedented pace.
Devendra Fadnavis praised the Pune district administration and various departments for their swift preparation of 437 kilometers of race-ready roads, complete with safety measures, logistics, and a comprehensive cycling ecosystem that meets UCI standards, all accomplished in record time.
He remarked, “The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour signifies the future of Indian sports. What usually takes decades has been achieved in mere months, with infrastructure of international standards developed at an unmatched speed. This event is not just for today; it is a foundation for a legacy envisioned for the next 75 years and beyond. Pune, a place where history converges with the future, will now gain global recognition as a hub for world-class sports, tourism, and culture.”
Reiterating the Government of Maharashtra's full support, the Chief Minister assured that the state is dedicated to creating the best possible environment for riders, teams, and officials, ensuring safety, hospitality, and a top-tier event experience.
In closing, he wished all participants success and encouraged them to embody the spirit of sportsmanship. “Let us unite to celebrate cycling—one of the oldest yet most contemporary sports; together, we will ensure the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour becomes a global triumph,” concluded Devendra Fadnavis.