New Delhi: India’s aspirations of establishing the Pune Grand Tour (PGT) as a premier international cycling event have received a significant boost, with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) expressing strong support for the race’s future growth and global ambitions.
Following the successful debut edition earlier this year, the sport’s governing body commended the event’s organisation, scale and execution, describing it as comparable to some of the finest cycling races on the international calendar. The endorsement has strengthened hopes of positioning the Pune Grand Tour as a major fixture in global cycling and a catalyst for sports tourism in India.
The praise came during a special presentation before the UCI Management Committee in Lake Garda, Italy, where organisers outlined their vision for the event and highlighted its rapid rise. According to organisers, UCI officials were particularly impressed by the fact that the race was conceptualised, planned and delivered within just six months while maintaining international standards.
One of the most striking achievements of the inaugural edition was the massive public response. More than 2.5 million spectators reportedly attended the five-day event, making it one of the largest sporting gatherings in the country. The UCI lauded not only the turnout but also the discipline of spectators and the efforts of local authorities in ensuring smooth and safe operations throughout the race.
UCI President David Lappartient assured organisers of continued support as the event evolves. The governing body has pledged assistance in areas such as urban mobility planning and grassroots cycling development, aimed at strengthening India’s cycling ecosystem.
The presentation was led by a delegation that included Abhinav Bindra alongside organisers Jitendra Dudi and Maninder Pal Singh.
Organisers also revealed that the UCI Management Committee has approved a tentative window for the next edition, with the 2027 Pune Grand Tour expected to be held from January 26 to January 31. The dates are designed to coincide with multiple national holidays, potentially boosting participation and spectator engagement.
With international recognition and institutional backing now in place, the Pune Grand Tour appears well-positioned to accelerate its journey toward becoming one of Asia’s marquee cycling events.
