India’s first-ever Pro Stage Elite Race for men, a UCI 2.2 international cycling event, unveiled its official emblem and mascot on Wednesday.
The Pune Grand Tour (PGT) 2026, which will allow international cyclists to collect race points essential for the LA 2028 Olympics qualification through a multi-stage, multi-day road race, will be held from January 19 to 23.
Classified as an elite event in UCI’s calendar, the PGT will take place across a vast topography of 437 km, displaying a dynamic mix of Pune’s urban stretches, hilly terrain, and rural landscapes.
Speaking on the occasion, Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, “It is a momentous occasion for all of us as we set out to bring India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 global cycling event to Pune. The Pune Grand Tour represents a defining moment for Maharashtra’s sporting vision, demonstrating our commitment to developing sports infrastructure. Pune Grand Tour hopes to act as a foundation in creating an ecosystem to nurture talent and make our own national cycling heroes.”
Given the burgeoning interest in cycling and the country’s long association with sports, the Pune Grand Tour aims to position itself among the best cycling competitions across the world.
PGT in-charge Jitendra Dudi said, “With the Pune Grand Tour, India takes a bold stride onto the world cycling stage. Our ambition for the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is to spark a revolution in this great country—to encourage India’s youth to take cycling as a professional sport. We want to build a legacy where cycling is seen not just as recreation, but as a serious pathway to global sporting excellence.”
Published on Oct 29, 2025