‘Pune Grand Tour 2026’ to Boost Tourism, Restore City’s Legacy as the ‘City of Cycles’: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the upcoming ‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026’, an international cycling event, will highlight Pune’s historical, cultural, religious, and tourist landmarks, helping boost tourism and revive the city’s long-standing identity as the “City of Cycles.”

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the event’s logo and jersey, jointly organised by the Maharashtra government, Pune district administration, and the Cycling Federation of India, Fadnavis said the race would also contribute to the state’s economy and promote a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, Asian Cycling Confederation President Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, and Cycling Federation of India Secretary General Dato Maninder Pal Singh were among the dignitaries present.

Fadnavis noted that Pune, once known as the cradle of cycling in India, will now host a truly international competition. “This event will give a new dimension to cycling culture while strengthening the state’s economy. Considering today’s pollution levels and lifestyle-related health issues, cycling needs to be promoted as a way of life. Across the world, cyclists are respected — and this race will place Pune on the global map,” he said.

Recalling the city’s cycling heritage, the Chief Minister said Pune held its first-ever cycling race in 1947, and decades ago, owning a cycle was seen as a mark of pride. “The inclusion of this event in the global sporting calendar ensures its success and importance for India,” he added.

Fadnavis also lauded veteran cyclist Nirupama Bhave (77) from Pune, along with Preeti Mheske, Praniti Soman (Ahilyanagar), Bharat Sonawane (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Akash Mhetre (Jalgaon) and Pooja Danole (Solapur) for their achievements.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the event will be a festival combining health, tourism, employment, and development. “Starting from Pune — a city of rich heritage — the Grand Challenge Tour will pass through over 200 villages along the Sahyadri mountain range. Inspired by the ‘Tour de France,’ this race represents not just sport, but also environmental awareness and sustainable living,” he said.

The event’s logo is inspired by the Indian giant squirrel (‘Shekru’) found in the Bhimashankar, Mahabaleshwar, and Bhandardara regions — symbolising Maharashtra’s wildlife and ecology. Pawar added that the tour would promote rural tourism, generate employment, and strengthen the state’s economy.

Pawar also praised the district administration, led by Collector Jitendra Dudi, for its swift preparations and directed officials to ensure that all roads along the race route are repaired to top standards.

Union Minister Raksha Khadse highlighted that the event aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympics in India by 2036 and promoting sports tourism nationwide. She noted that the “Cycle on Sunday” initiative — conducted in 5,000–6,000 locations every week with over 5 lakh participants — complements the Prime Minister’s ‘Fit India’ movement.

She added that the Centre’s sports policy focuses on expanding sports tourism, and Maharashtra, with its diverse destinations, will set an example through the Pune Grand Tour 2026.

The event began with the unveiling of the official logo, jersey, and mascot ‘Indu’, inspired by the flying squirrel native to the Bhimashankar forests.

The ceremony was attended by MLAs Amit Gorakhe, Rahul Kul, Siddharth Shirole, and senior officials including Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, and Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar.

The Bajaj Group is the event’s title sponsor, with Serum Institute of India, Chitale Bandhu, and Panchshil Group as key partners.