Grand Start to Stage Two of Bajaj Pune Grand Tour

Pune, Jan 2026 : The second stage of the international cycling competition ‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour–2026’, which showcases Pune district’s rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage on a global platform, began today with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The stage was flagged off from the Ladies Club area in Camp by Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakantdada Patil and Minister of State for Social Justice Madhuri Misal.

On this occasion, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Pune Additional Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar, and Pune Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., among others, were present.

Minister Patil said, “While organizing this competition, it initially felt like a dream. However, due to excellent planning and coordination, this grand event has been successfully conducted. Through this competition, Pune’s name has reached across the world, and Pune has secured a prominent place in cycling history. Just as the Pune Book Festival set several world records, this competition too is receiving an overwhelming response. This will not only enhance Pune’s reputation but also accelerate the district’s development process.”

He expressed confidence that with players and tourists from various countries arriving in Pune, global attention on the event will boost the district’s economic development, and he thanked citizens for their cooperation.

Minister of State Madhuri Misal said that Pune is both an industrial and cultural city. Through this international competition, Pune’s identity will be further strengthened at the global level. It will give a boost to tourism and inspire the younger generation of cyclists to reach international platforms.

Strong Public Response from Rural and Hilly Areas

The second stage, which began at 1:30 pm, covered a total distance of 109.15 kilometers. Passing through historic, rural, and hilly regions of Pune city, Purandar, Rajgad, and Haveli talukas, the challenging route witnessed renowned cyclists from India and abroad demonstrating their strength, technique, and endurance.

Starting from the foothills of Purandar Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the cyclists raced powerfully through the sacred land touched by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Velhe and Bhor regions, concluding the thrilling stage at the Nanded City area on Sinhagad Road. With steep climbs, ghat roads, and long distances, this stage proved to be a true test of physical endurance for the cyclists.

Route Details

Ladies Club (Camp), Golibar Chowk, Kondhwa, Yeolewadi, Bhivari, Chambali, Kodit, Narayanpur, Chivewadi, Ketkawale, Kapurhol, Kasurdi, Mohari, Jambli, Ambavane, Karanjavane, Wangani, Nighde, Kusgaon, Shivapur, Kondhanpur.

Live visuals of Purandar Fort, Sinhagad Ghat Road, Donje, Kirkitwadi, and Khadakwasla Dam along this route became a special attraction for spectators.

Throughout the stage, large crowds gathered in Camp, Kondhwa, Yeolewadi, rural areas, and on the ghat tops, enthusiastically cheering the cyclists. The youthful energy, along with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivray,” filled the entire route with fervor. At several places, the beats of halgi, dhol–tasha, and lezim groups gave the event the feel of a public festival.

Local women and senior citizens welcomed the cyclists with flower showers, while youngsters showed special excitement in taking selfies with international players. Many foreign cyclists were visibly moved by the warmth and hospitality of the people of Pune.

The district administration had made meticulous security arrangements for the event. With the coordinated efforts of the police force, traffic department, and hundreds of volunteers, the 109.15-kilometre stage was completed safely, smoothly, and successfully despite the large crowds.