Heritage Meets High Performance as Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 Trophy Arrives in Chennai
Chennai : The heritage-inspired Trophy for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI 2.2 classified international road cycling race, was unveiled in Chennai on 22 December 2025 as part of its nationwide Trophy Tour. The event marked a key milestone in India’s growing ambition in professional cycling and highlighted the country’s readiness to host world-class international sporting events, while also underscoring Chennai’s strong sporting legacy and its role in shaping the future of Indian cycling.
Organised by the Pune District Administration under the leadership of Shri Jitendra Dudi (IAS) with steadfast support from the Government of Maharashtra, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to bring elite cyclists from across the globe to compete on Indian roads. Crafted by Pune’s legendary Tambat Aali coppersmith community, the Trophy draws inspiration from Maharashtra’s rich heritage, symbolising eight historic forts and the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and has already generated excitement across the cycling and sporting community nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Pinaki Bysack, Race Technical Director, Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, said, “Our focus with the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is to create a strong starting point for India in international road cycling. The UCI 2.2 classification marks the beginning of this journey, with a long-term vision to scale the race to Pro-level standards aligned with global benchmarks. Chennai has always shared a deep relationship with sport, and bringing the Trophy Tour here reflects how cities like Chennai are shaping the future of Indian sport.”
