04-07-2025
Pune to host Tour de France-model annual cycling race from next year
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced the launch of 'Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026', an international-level cycling race scheduled in January, aimed at transforming the Pune district into a hub of global sports and tourism.
Modelled on internationally acclaimed races like the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, the cycling event will cover over 600 kilometers across urban, rural, and hilly terrains of the district, including Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, and Velhe, authorities said.
The announcement came after the Pune district administration and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present at the event, said the annual event will establish Pune as a key destination on the global sports calendar.
CM Fadnavis stated, 'Through the Pune Grand Challenge Tour, we are organising a world-class cycling competition. This will help present Pune's rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty to a worldwide audience. The event will not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also attract massive investments in tourism and industry'.
Pune Grand Challenge was conceived from Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi's visionary Integrated Tourism Development Plan, designed to transform lesser-known talukas of Pune into vibrant tourism destinations. Infrastructure development has already begun in over 200 villages along the route, including road upgrades, health facilities, and digital connectivity, said an officer.
A dedicated mobile app and digital platforms will offer real-time updates, tourist guides, and immersive experiences for viewers and participants, he added.
Thousands of professional and amateur cyclists are expected to participate, and over 10,000 spectators are anticipated. According to the district's Integrated Tourism Development Plan, the event is expected to generate around Rs 1,000 crore in tourism revenue in its inaugural year. The initiative also aims to create over 50,000 direct jobs and support lakhs of livelihoods through tourism-related activities, rural homestays, and local crafts.
The event has been recognised by the Cycling Federation of India. It is currently awaiting UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) accreditation which could soon place it on the UCI World Tour calendar. The event will be promoted globally through tie-ups with broadcasters such as Star Sports and Eurosport, and is expected to reach a worldwide audience of over 10 crore viewers.
The state government is also working with corporate sponsors like Tata, Bajaj, and the Poonawalla Group to fund the event through public-private partnerships.
