New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Pune Grand Tour 2026, which marks India’s inaugural UCI 2.2 multi-stage road cycling event, revealed its heritage-themed Trophy during a prestigious assembly in New Delhi.

Crafted by the skilled artisans of Pune, known as the Tambat Aali community, the Pune Grand Tour Trophy embodies the spirit, scale, and ambition of modern India aiming for greater achievements. This dazzling Trophy will journey through India for the next 15 days, traversing states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, conveying that India is poised to proudly claim its spot on the global cycling stage, enriched by its heritage.

The trophy presentation attracted notable figures in the national capital, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who unveiled this Pride of Pune. They were accompanied by Pankaj Singh, President of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Pune District Collector, Onkar Singh, Chairman of CFI, and Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of CFI, on this momentous occasion.

The Pune Grand Tour is a four-day, four-stage, 437-km continental team men's road race set to feature over 150 professional cyclists from 26 countries, taking place from January 19 to 23, 2026. This historic UCI 2.2 race in India is organized by the Government of Maharashtra and Pune District Administration in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India.

Bespoke Trophy Design

The Pune Grand Tour Trophy is not merely a copper artifact; it encapsulates the essence of a sport, the determination of the athletes striving for its glory, and the history of its origin. The trophy was envisioned with these elements in mind.

Its design is inspired by the eight forts located along the race route, symbolizing strategy, resilience, and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These forts not only define geography but also represent the ethos that shapes Pune’s identity. Their legacy is reflected in the trophy’s octagonal structure and the eight-faced mudra, subtly paying homage to the city’s rich heritage and the narratives it continues to share.

At its core, the trophy features a swirling cavity, reminiscent of a breath drawn inward -- reflecting the shape of a velodrome. Observers of cyclists training in such venues recognize the rhythm: the gradual increase in speed, the discipline, and the repetitive motions that become instinctive over time. This inner vortex pays tribute to that journey, to the private struggles every cyclist faces long before the race.

Entirely forged from copper, the trophy honors the artisans of Tambat Aali, who have honed their craft over generations, mastering skills that require both strength and precision. Measuring 480mm, its true presence emerges from the countless hammer strikes that shape its surface. Each mark represents the determination of a cyclist pushing through fatigue, discovering their rhythm, and maintaining momentum. In essence, it is a sculpture of perseverance.