Grand Enthusiastic Start to the First Stage of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour

Huge Crowd Lined Both Sides of the Road from TCS to Akurdi Ghat Bend; Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Present at the Inauguration

Pune, Jan 2026 : The first stage of the international cycling competition ‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour–2026’ began with tremendous enthusiasm. The stage, which started from TCS Circle, Hinjawadi, was formally flagged off by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaubey, and veteran actor Nana Patekar. Citizens gathered in large numbers on both sides of the road to encourage the cyclists.

The total distance of the first stage was 91.8 kilometres. As this stage passed through the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area along with the ghat and winding roads of Mulshi and Maval talukas, it tested the cyclists’ speed, endurance, and technical skills. Passing through scenic surroundings, the route covered Man–Ambavade village arch–Paud–Chale–Nandgaon–Kolvan–Hadshi Lake–Javan–Tikona Peth–Kale–Kadhe–Thugav–Shivne–Done–Savale Chowk–Adhale Budruk–Bebad Ohala–Chandanwadi–Chandkhed–Kasarsai–Nere–Marunji–Laxmi Chowk–Bhumkar Chowk–Dange Chowk–Shri Sant Namdev Maharaj Chowk, and concluded at Dr. D. Y. Patil International Institute, Akurdi, at around 4 pm.

The district administration had made extensive preparations for this stage. After inspecting the competition route, detailed planning was carried out regarding traffic management, security, health services, and emergency facilities. Traffic was diverted for a certain period and roads were closed at necessary locations. Officers and staff from the police administration and various departments were deployed along the entire route.

During the race, cyclists were seen presenting a fine combination of speed and stamina on the ghat and winding roads. At some locations, sharp turns, slopes, and narrow roads posed challenges for the competitors; however, international-level cyclists were seen tackling these challenges with confidence. Medical assistance, ambulances, technical support vehicles, and refreshment points were kept ready at designated locations. Continuous monitoring of the competition area was carried out through drones, CCTV cameras, and motorcycle squads.

At the finishing venue, cyclists were welcomed with great enthusiasm. While interacting with the media, winning and leading cyclists expressed that the route design, natural beauty, and enthusiasm of Indian spectators were unforgettable. Many foreign players stated that the ghat roads of Pune district are extremely suitable for world-class cycling competitions.

The ‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour–2026’ has been organised with the objectives of taking the district’s tourist destinations to the global level, boosting the local economy, and creating employment opportunities for youth in the sports and tourism sectors. With the successful completion of the first stage, curiosity among cycling enthusiasts regarding the upcoming stages has increased, and this international competition is proving to be one that gives a new dimension to Pune district’s sports, tourism, and global image.

Snapshots

▪️ A significant presence of young men and women from the IT sector was seen in the Hinjawadi area. Tremendous curiosity and enthusiasm regarding the international cycling competition were visible among citizens.

▪️ Many parents attended the event along with their young children. Little children were seen enthusiastically cheering the players while riding their own bicycles.

▪️ The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the grand replica of a fort erected at TCS Chowk became a special attraction for citizens.

▪️ Citizens stopped in front of the large screen showing the live telecast and experienced the thrill of the competition firsthand.

▪️ Many citizens expressed the feeling that this international cycling competition, being held in India for the first time, will highlight Pune’s name on the global sports map. Many also expressed the expectation that this competition should be held every year.

▪️ Citizens also expressed satisfaction over the construction of roads as per global ranking standards. “Till now, we had only watched such competitions on television; experiencing it live today feels extraordinarily thrilling,” was the spontaneous reaction given by young people.

Team Maverick.