Pune, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to kick off on Monday, bringing together some of the finest road cyclists from around the globe. This event signifies a monumental occasion for India as it serves as the nation's inaugural Continental multi-stage Road Race for men, officially recognized as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 international competition.

As the Pune Grand Tour becomes part of the UCI framework, it officially marks India's entry into the global professional cycling calendar.

For Indian cyclists, this Grand Tour is a unique opportunity to face top international teams on their home turf. This exposure to elite race dynamics, professional team strategies, and UCI-level competition is crucial in narrowing the gap between domestic racing and international standards.

The race's integration into the UCI calendar coincides with Asia's rise as a significant market for professional cycling. With enhanced investments in infrastructure, talent development, and exposure to global competitions, India's participation in elite racing reflects a long-term vision for the professionalization of cycling in the country.

Due to its UCI classification, the Pune Grand Tour 2026 provides riders with the chance to earn valuable ranking points for qualification to the LA 2028 Summer Olympics. The competition will commence with a Prologue that will record each rider's individual time, determining the starting positions for the first stage.

Although Morocco’s Sidi Ali Unlocks Sports Team (ranked 157th by UCI) has withdrawn from the event due to unforeseen circumstances, the tournament will still feature 164 riders from 28 teams across 35 countries on five continents. Despite Morocco's absence, India celebrates a unique achievement of hosting the largest field of riders ever seen in a UCI 2.2 category race.

Typically, such a race includes around 125 participants. For the inaugural Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, Asia will have the largest representation with 78 riders, followed closely by 69 from Europe, alongside strong contingents from Oceania, the Americas, and Africa, highlighting the global significance of this event.

Spain’s Burgos Burpellet BH, ranked 29th in the world, enters the race as a favorite. They are the only ProTeam-level team in the lineup and regularly participate in prestigious events like the Vuelta a España. Hot on their heels will be China’s Li Ning Star (world ranking 33) and Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team (world ranking 38), both vying for the coveted Pune Trophy.

Among the leading UCI World Ranking teams participating are Burgos Burpellet BH (Spain, UCI Rank: 29), Li Ning Star (China, UCI Rank: 33), Terengganu Cycling Team (UCI Rank: 38), Rojai Insurance Winspace (UCI Rank: 44), Quick Pro Team (Estonia, UCI Rank: 68), and Tarteletto-Isorex (Belgium, UCI Rank: 78).

The Indian challenge will be spearheaded by the national team, featuring seasoned riders like Sahil Kumar (Haryana), Dinesh Kumar (Haryana), Surya Thathu (Maharashtra), Vishwajeet Singh (Punjab), Harshveer Singh Sikhon (Punjab), and M. Naveen John (Karnataka). The inclusion of the Indian Development Team is a commendable initiative, providing emerging cyclists the chance to gain experience and build confidence for future competitive events.

Winners will receive a handcrafted copper trophy, designed by Pune’s acclaimed Tambat Aali coppersmiths, inspired by the eight historic forts along the race route and the lasting legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing the region’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.

As the countdown nears, the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to represent more than just a competition. It embodies India’s readiness to host world-class cycling events and aims to make a memorable impact on the international sporting arena.

This groundbreaking event is India's first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day Continental Cycling Race for Men, marking a significant milestone for India's presence in the global professional circuit. The challenging 437-km route navigates diverse terrains of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges, with an unprecedented 171 elite riders from 29 teams across five continents and 35 countries participating. The Pune District Administration is organizing this landmark event.