Indian cyclists will compete for vital Olympic qualification points when the country hosts its first-ever UCI 2.2 multi-stage road race, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, beginning on Monday.
The five-day event, which runs until January 23, represents a landmark moment for Indian cycling, both in terms of international exposure and the strategic pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
India will field its largest-ever contingent in an international road race, with 12 riders split between the Indian national team and the Indian development team. This dual-team approach is designed to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term athlete development, giving experienced riders the chance to chase results while younger cyclists gain exposure to elite-level racing.
The Pune Grand Tour opens with a 7.5 km prologue at Goodluck Chowk, a short but intense individual time trial that will determine the early general classification standings. The prologue is expected to set the tone for the race, rewarding riders with strong power output, technical handling, and the ability to sustain high speed over a short duration.
Following the prologue, the race moves into a demanding four-stage route across Pune city and the surrounding Western Ghats, designed to test a full range of cycling skills. Stage 1, the 87.2 km Mulsi–Maval Miles on January 20, winds through Pune’s IT hub of Hinjewadi. The stage combines relatively flat sprint sections with sharp urban turns, making positioning and tactical awareness crucial. It is expected to suit sprinters and strong all-rounders who can navigate technical sections without losing momentum.
Stage 2, scheduled for January 21, is likely to be the decisive day of the race. The 105.3 km Maratha Heritage Circuit features steep climbs around Purandar Fort, Sinhagad, and Khadakwasla Lake. These ghat sections will test climbing ability, endurance, and recovery, and are expected to significantly reshape the general classification. For Indian riders, this stage presents both a challenge and an opportunity to measure themselves against international competition in demanding terrain.
The third stage, the 134 km Western Ghats Gateway on January 22, stretches from Purandar to Baramati across the Deccan plateau. Rolling terrain, long distances, and potential crosswinds will place a premium on race craft, teamwork, and sustained power. Riders who have recovered well from the climbing stage will look to make their presence felt, either through breakaways or strong support roles for team leaders.
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The race concludes on January 23 with the 95 km Pune Pride Loop, a technical urban circuit that passes several city landmarks, including Shaniwar Wada. The final stage is expected to be fast and aggressive, with teams aiming to control the race for a sprint finish or defend general classification positions secured earlier in the week.
The Cycling Federation of India has described the Pune Grand Tour as a defining moment for the sport in the country. Secretary general Maninder Pal Singh noted that securing a UCI 2.2 multi-stage race was the result of years of effort to build international credibility. He emphasised that the event opens a direct pathway for Indian riders towards Olympic qualification and changes how cycling is viewed by governments, sponsors, and stakeholders nationwide.
National chief coach Maxat Ayazabayev echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of hosting more international-standard races in India. According to him, competing on home roads against foreign teams provides invaluable experience that cannot be replicated through domestic events alone. Indian national team coach Joginder Singh also described the race as historic, highlighting the significance of racing in familiar conditions while competing at an international level.
For the riders, the opportunity carries both pride and motivation. Harshveer Sekhon said racing at home gives him energy rather than pressure, while Surya Thathu described the experience of competing in a multi-stage international race in his home state of Maharashtra as incredibly special. Vishvajeet Singh highlighted the quality of roads, organisation, and overall support, noting that it matched what riders experience at major international tours.
Younger riders in the development team have also welcomed the opportunity. Manav Sarda described the dual-team structure as a major chance for emerging cyclists, while Akshar Tyagi said training alongside senior riders helped them refine small but crucial aspects of racing.
As the peloton rolls out from Pune, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour stands as more than just a race. It is a statement of intent for Indian cycling, offering a rare chance to earn Olympic qualification points at home and signalling a new phase of ambition and professionalism on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
