Historic Pune Grand Tour: A Turning Point for Indian Cycling

The Pune Grand Tour marks India's debut in hosting a UCI 2.2 multi-stage road race, providing a crucial platform for Olympic qualification. Featuring a five-day event with Indian cyclists racing across diverse terrains, it signifies a significant advancement in the nation’s cycling landscape.

Indian cyclists are set to make strides in Olympic qualification as the country stages its first-ever UCI 2.2 multi-stage road race, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, commencing Monday. The event is pivotal for India, marking a major step in the development of competitive cycling.

The event, running until January 23, features India's largest cycling contingent, divided into national and development teams. Cyclists will navigate a 7.5km prologue and challenging stages across Pune and the Western Ghats, emphasizing sprinting, climbing, and tactical prowess.

Hosting this race showcases years of effort by the Cycling Federation of India to boost the sport domestically. Riders and coaches alike see it as a historic move, enhancing the competitive landscape for India's cyclists and potentially revolutionizing the country's place in global cycling events.