NewKerala.com

Pune Grand Tour 2026: Maharashtra's 75-Year Legacy Vision for Global Cycling

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, India's inaugural UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Cycling Road Race. He highlighted the unprecedented speed in preparing 437 kilometers of international-standard race infrastructure, a feat not seen in decades. The event, featuring riders from over 35 countries, is positioned as a statement of Maharashtra's capability to deliver world-class sporting ecosystems. Fadnavis framed the tour not just as a sporting event but as a foundational project for a legacy extending 75 years into the future, aiming to establish Pune as a global destination for sport and tourism.

Key Points: Pune Grand Tour 2026 Inaugurated by Devendra Fadnavis

  • India's first UCI 2.2 category cycling race
  • 437 km of race-ready roads built at record pace
  • Riders from over 35 countries participating
  • Event to boost Pune's global sport and tourism profile
2 min read

Pune Grand Tour a pathway to legacy envisioned 75 years ahead and beyond: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates India's first UCI 2.2 cycling race, envisioning a 75-year legacy for Pune's global sports tourism.

"This is not merely an event for today - it is a pathway to a legacy envisioned 75 years ahead and beyond. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Pune, January 17

The Pune Grand Tour 2026 was officially declared open on Saturday, by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, marking the commencement of India's first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Cycling Road Race.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Government of India; Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra; and Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development, Transport, Social Justice and Medical Education, Government of Maharashtra, along with senior officials from the Pune District Administration and State Sports authorities.

Welcoming riders from over 35 countries to Pune, the Chief Minister described the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 as more than just a sporting event, calling it a statement of Maharashtra's ability to deliver world-class infrastructure and international-standard sporting ecosystems at unprecedented speed.

Congratulating the Pune district administration and officials across departments, Devendra Fadnavis noted that the preparation of 437-kilometres of race-ready roads, along with safety systems, logistics and a complete cycling ecosystem aligned with UCI standards, had been achieved in record time- a pace of execution not witnessed in the last three decades.

Devendra Fadnavis said, "The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour represents the future of Indian sport. What typically takes decades has been accomplished in months, with international-standard infrastructure created at a pace not seen in the last 30 years. This is not merely an event for today - it is a pathway to a legacy envisioned 75 years ahead and beyond. Pune, a district where history meets the future, will now be recognised globally as a destination for world-class sport, tourism and culture."

Assuring full support from the Government of Maharashtra, the Chief Minister reiterated the state's commitment to providing the best possible ecosystem for riders, teams and officials, while ensuring safety, hospitality and world-class event delivery.

He concluded by wishing all riders the very best and calling upon them to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship. "Let us come together to celebrate cycling - one of the world's oldest, yet most modern sports; together we will make the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour a global success," concluded Devendra Fadnavis.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative, but I hope the "world-class infrastructure" includes proper pedestrian pathways and doesn't just cater to the event. Often, roads are beautified for such events and then neglected afterwards. The legacy should be for all citizens.
R
Rohit P
437 km of race-ready roads in record time? That's the kind of pace we need for all infrastructure projects. If this can be done for sports, why not for our daily commute roads which are full of potholes? The model should be replicated.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Pune, this is exciting! It will boost tourism and show the world a modern, capable side of India. Looking forward to watching the race. The city's cultural heritage combined with a world-class sporting event is a powerful combination.
K
Karthik V
"A pathway to legacy envisioned 75 years ahead" – that's a bold vision. Hope it includes developing local cycling talent from the ground up. We need academies, coaching, and a system to nurture our own champions, not just host international events.
M
Madhuri G
Good step for sports tourism. But what about the traffic disruptions for Punekars during the event? The administration must plan meticulously to minimise inconvenience to daily life. Public communication will be key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50