Heritage Trophy Unveiled for India's First UCI 2.2 Cycling Race

Inauguration of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026

New Delhi, December 16: The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, marking India's inaugural Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 multi-stage road cycling event, revealed its heritage-themed Trophy during a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The event was graced by notable figures, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, PT Usha, who unveiled the 'Pride of Pune.' They were accompanied by Pankaj Singh, President of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Onkar Singh, CFI Chairman, and Maninder Pal Singh, CFI Secretary General.

Designed by the skilled coppersmiths from Pune's Tambat Aali community, the Trophy symbolizes India's aspirations and determination to excel on the global cycling stage. Over the next 15 days, this exquisite Trophy will journey across various states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, conveying a message of India's readiness to embrace its cycling heritage with pride and ambition.

The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is set to be a four-day, four-stage road race covering 437 kilometers, featuring over 150 professional cyclists from 26 nations, scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026. This landmark UCI 2.2 race is organized by the Government of Maharashtra and Pune District Administration, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India.