Pune, Jan 16 (NationPress) The highly anticipated Pune Grand Tour 2026, marking India's inaugural UCI 2.2 Continental Cycling Road Race, is poised to be a landmark event for Indian riders and the cycling community, according to Maxat Ayazabayev, Chief Coach of the national cycling team, who spoke at a press conference on Friday.

“Hosting more events like this is crucial for the advancement of our riders. The Pune Grand Tour will provide them with invaluable international racing experience on familiar terrain. The planning, route selection, and overall execution have been impressive, and we are optimistic about achieving strong results,” Ayazabayev stated.

During the press meet, Indian cyclists expressed how competing against formidable international competitors in front of local supporters, along with the excellent infrastructure prepared for the event, will enhance their performance.

As the countdown begins with just 72 hours until the start of this historic race, Indian cyclists are set to seize the opportunity to learn and challenge themselves on the verge of entering the global circuit. For the first time, India will send its largest squad of 12 riders to compete in its debut UCI-accredited road race.

Before this significant home challenge, members of the Indian delegation, which is split into two teams of six riders each – the Indian National Team and the Indian Development Team – candidly shared their insights regarding their preparations, aspirations, and the pride of representing India at the Pune Grand Tour.

The event was graced by Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), along with Coach Maxat Ayazabayev, Coach Joginder Singh, and riders Harshveer Singh Sekhon, Vishvajeet Singh, Surya Thathu from the National Team, and Akshar Tyagi and Manav Sarda from the Development Team.

This five-day race, scheduled from January 19 to 23, is highly significant for the riders as it serves as preparation for their Olympic ambitions, allowing them to earn crucial points for qualification to the 2028 Olympic Games.

In his remarks, Maninder Pal Singh stated, “The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is a pivotal moment for Indian cycling. Obtaining a UCI 2.2 multi-stage race was a challenging task and reflects years of dedication by the Cycling Federation of India to gain international credibility. This event creates a direct route for our riders towards Olympic qualification and alters the perception of cycling among governments, sponsors, and stakeholders throughout the nation. Hosting a race of this magnitude in India provides our athletes with the chance to compete, learn, and advance into elite competitions.”

On the significance of the event, Coach Joginder Singh remarked, “The Pune Grand Tour is historic for Indian cycling. Now we have an international race in our own backyard, under familiar conditions. While road racing can be unpredictable, we will adapt our strategies before, during, and after each stage. With a robust combination of youth and experience on the team, this UCI 2.2 event could be transformative for the evolution of professional road cycling in India.”

Rider Harshveer Sekhon added, “I view racing at home not as pressure but as motivation. Competing on our home roads, in front of our local fans, energizes me. This will be my first experience in a stage race of this magnitude in India, and I feel privileged to participate in the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour. Our preparation has been solid, and we aim to perform exceptionally.”

Emphasizing the significance of this race, Surya Thathu stated, “This is a monumental moment for Indian cycling. Events like the Pune Grand Tour were previously something we only witnessed on TV, and to race in a multi-stage event of this scale in my home state of Maharashtra is extraordinarily special. Competing in Europe presents challenges, as riders must manage logistics independently. However, the Pune Grand Tour is different—every aspect of our preparation is meticulously handled. This is a tremendous boost; our focus is solely on the race. More events like this will provide young riders with real opportunities, similar to regular racing experiences in countries like Belgium.”

On the facilities in Pune, Vishvajeet Singh, another member of the first team, commented, “Upon arriving in Pune and evaluating the routes, the quality of the roads and overall organization truly impressed us. The level of support provided to teams, vehicles, logistics, and infrastructure is on par with what we experience in major international tours. To have this experience in India is special and motivates us to give our all.”

Manav Sarda from the Indian National Development Team stated, “Having both the National and Development Teams at this race is a tremendous opportunity for younger riders like us. Training alongside seasoned riders and competing in a UCI stage race on home soil will significantly enhance our skills.”

Akshar Tyagi noted, “The training camp with the senior riders allowed us to refine crucial aspects of our racing. That experience has instilled confidence in us, enabling us to first compete with our seniors and then challenge ourselves against international riders. The level of support we’re receiving here mirrors what we see in major international races, and that conviction makes a substantial difference.”

The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will feature Indian riders competing alongside international teams in a rigorous multi-stage format, putting their endurance, strategy, and teamwork to the test. As the journey to Los Angeles begins to take form, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour stands as a noteworthy and valuable opportunity—one that merges global competition with local pride.

The Pune Grand Tour 2026 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 standing in the global professional circuit. The challenging 437-km route traverses the diverse landscapes of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges. This event has attracted an unprecedented field of 171 elite cyclists from 29 teams across five continents and 35 countries. Organized by the Pune District Administration, Government of Maharashtra, under the auspices of the Cycling Federation of India, the race showcases high-performance sporting excellence while celebrating Pune’s cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and rural tourism across nine talukas and 150 villages.