BAJAJ PUNE GRAND TOUR 2026: INDIAN RIDERS GEAR UP FOR OLYMPIC PATHWAY CHALLENGE

With just 48 hours to go to the start of India’s inaugural UCI 2.2 Continental Cycling Road Race- Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, the Indian riders are ready to embrace the experience, learnings, and take up the challenge that brings them to the brink of breaking into the international circuit. India’s largest contingent of 12 riders will participate, as Pune is ready to host country’s first-ever UCI-recognised road race.

Members of the Indian contingent, comprising of two teams of 6 riders each – the Indian National Team and Indian Development Team –spoke openly about their preparation, expectations, and the pride of representing India at Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, during a media interaction held in the city on Thursday. The event was attended by Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General, Cycling Federation of India (CFI), along with Maxat Ayazabayev, Chief Coach, Indian National Team and Joginder Singh, Coach, Indian National Team. Riders present included Harshveer Singh Sekhon, Vishvajeet Singh, and Surya Thathu from the Indian National Team, and Akshar Tyagi and Manav Sarda from the Indian Development Team.

The five-day race, scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026, carries added weight for the peloton. For the Indian riders, the opportunity presents for preparation for Olympic goals, as it allows crucial points accumulation for the qualification to the Olympic Games in 2028.

Speaking at the event, Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General, Cycling Federation of India, “The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is a defining moment for Indian cycling. Securing a UCI 2.2 multi- stage race was not easy, and it reflects years of consistent work by the Cycling Federation of India to build credibility at the international level. This event opens a direct pathway for our riders toward Olympic qualification and changes how cycling is viewed by governments, sponsors, and stakeholders across the country. Hosting a race of this scale in India gives our athletes the opportunity to compete, learn, and progress without having to leave home.”

Maxat Ayazabayev, Chief Coach, Indian National Team said “Hosting a race of this level in India is extremely important for our national team. The Pune Grand Tour gives our riders valuable race experience at an international standard on home roads. The routes, organisation, and overall preparation have been impressive, and we are hopeful of delivering strong results.”

Speaking on the magnitude of the event, Joginder Singh, Coach, Indian National Team said “The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is historic for Indian cycling. It gives our riders a rare chance to compete at home instead of travelling abroad for every major race. Road racing is unpredictable, and strategies evolve before and during and after the race. With a strong mix of young riders and experienced professionals, this UCI 2.2 event can be a real turning point for the growth of professional road cycling in India.”

Harshveer Sekhon added, “I don’t see racing at home as pressure; I see it as motivation. Competing on home roads, in front of our own people, gives me energy. This is my first experience of a stage race of this scale in India, and I feel honoured to be part of the Pune Grand Tour. Our preparation has been strong, and we’re looking forward to performing well.”

Appreciating the opportunity to participate in the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, Surya Thathu said “This is a huge moment for Indian cycling. Races like the Pune Grand Tour were something we once only watched on television, and to compete in a multi-stage race of this scale in India; especially in my home state of Maharashtra; is incredibly special. Racing in Europe is challenging, from travel and food to registrations. Having everything in India is a big boost. More races like this will give young riders real opportunities, just as regular racing does in countries like Belgium. With strong support from CFI, Bajaj and the Maharashtra Government, we’re motivated to deliver strong performances.”

Speaking on the setup in Pune, Vishwajeet Singh said “When we arrived in Pune and inspected the routes, the quality of the roads and overall organisation really stood out. The level of support provided to the teams; vehicles, logistics, and infrastructure – is comparable to what we see in major international tours. Experiencing that in India is special, and it motivates us to give our best.” Speaking on the teams’ to prepare.

Speaking on the teams’ preparations, Manav Sarda said “Having both the Indian National Team and the Indian Development Team at this race is a big opportunity for younger riders like us. Training alongside senior riders and competing in a UCI stage race at home will help us improve significantly. We have prepared well and are fully ready for this challenge.”

Akshar Tyagi added “The training camp with the senior riders helped us correct small but important aspects of our racing. That experience has given us confidence that we can first compete with our seniors and then test ourselves against international riders. The level of support we’re receiving here is similar to what we see in major international races, and that belief makes a big difference.”

The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will see Indian riders’ line up alongside international teams in a demanding multi-stage format, testing endurance, strategy, and teamwork. As the road to Los Angeles begins to take shape, the Pune Grand Tour stands as a rare and meaningful opportunity – one that combines global competition with homegrown pride.