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India's Cycling Revolution: Two Elite Teams Battle for Pune Grand Tour Glory

India is gearing up for its first UCI 2.2 category road race with the Pune Grand Tour 2026. The Cycling Federation will field two elite teams selected through national trials in Sambalpur and Pune. This landmark event features a challenging 437-km route through Pune's scenic landscapes. The tour also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Key Points: India to Field Two Teams for Pune Grand Tour 2026 Selection

  • National selection trials scheduled in Sambalpur from December 2-6, 2025
  • Four-stage race covering 437 km through Pune's scenic landscapes
  • Event offers qualification points for LA 2028 Summer Olympics
  • Two Indian teams to provide platform for emerging and seasoned cyclists
  • India's first UCI 2.2 category road race with international participation
2 min read

Host India to field two elite teams for Pune Grand Tour 2026

Cycling Federation of India announces selection trials for two elite teams - India A and India B - for the inaugural UCI 2.2 category Pune Grand Tour 2026.

"The introduction of two teams reflects our focus on nurturing a broader pool of talent - Maninder Pal Singh, CFI General Secretary"

New Delhi, Nov 28

The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has announced selection trials for Indian men’s elite riders, with an aim to field two teams, namely ‘India A’ and ‘India B’, for the forthcoming Pune Grand Tour – India’s first UCI 2.2 category Road Race from January 19-23, 2026.

The National Road Cycling Championship-cum-selection trial is scheduled from December 2-6, 2025, at Sambalpur, Odisha. The shortlisted athletes will further be evaluated through a National Road Race in Pune on December 28.

The presence of two Indian teams - 'India A’ and ‘India B’ - will provide a broader platform for emerging and seasoned cyclists alike to demonstrate their prowess on a national and international stage.

The ambitious Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s flagship event aimed to earn Pune and India’s permanent window in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) global calendar. The inaugural edition will attract elite international cyclists, promising fierce competition and world-class sporting action.

The Tour will feature four stages, 437-km challenging routes that will wind through the scenic landscapes of the Pune district, making it one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the country.

Speaking on the upcoming selection trial, Maninder Pal Singh, General Secretary, Cycling Federation of India, said, “The National Championship-cum-selection trial is a crucial step towards assembling our strongest line-ups for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026. The introduction of two teams, India A and India B, reflects our focus on nurturing a broader pool of talent and elevating the standard of Indian cycling.”

Pune Grand Tour 2026 is linked to qualification for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics, allowing international participants to garner critical race-points through a multi-stage, multi-day road race.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative but I hope the selection process is transparent. We've seen in other sports how politics affects team selection. CFI should ensure only the best cyclists make it to both teams.
A
Arjun K
The Olympic qualification angle makes this even more exciting! This could be India's breakthrough in international cycling. The 437km route through Pune's landscapes sounds amazing - perfect showcase of our country's beauty.
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Sarah B
As someone living in Pune, I'm thrilled! Hope the infrastructure and road safety measures are properly planned. The city roads can be challenging for such events. But what a fantastic opportunity for local sports enthusiasts!
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Vikram M
India A and India B concept is brilliant! Gives emerging talent a chance without pressure while maintaining competitive standards. Hope this inspires more youngsters to take up professional cycling.
K
Kavya N
The timing is perfect - 2026 gives enough preparation time. Hope they include women cyclists too in future editions. India has great potential in women's sports that often gets overlooked.

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