Pune Grand Tour 2027 Upgraded Status; Six-Stage, 1,099-km Route Announced

In a major boost to India’s cycling landscape, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has officially upgraded the Pune Grand Tour from a Category 2.2 to a Category 2.1 event. Reflecting this elevated international status, the upcoming 2027 edition will expand from four stages to six stages, covering a massive total distance of 1,099 kilometers across Pune district.

READ: UCI Praises Inaugural Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 as India Steps Onto Global Cycling Stage

To steer the planning and execution of this ambitious expansion, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar has called for the immediate formation of a dedicated Governing Council. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office, Pawar emphasized that the 2027 edition must establish new benchmarks in scale, quality, reach, and impact.

“The dream was to transform Pune from being known solely as an educational, industrial, and cultural hub into a destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events,” Pawar stated, crediting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for supporting the initiative and noting that the original vision was conceived by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

New Governance Structure and Funding

To ensure seamless coordination and strict accountability, Pawar directed officials to establish:

• A Governing Council: Comprising representatives from the State Government, civic institutions, local self-government bodies, and the Cycling Federation of India, holding monthly review meetings.

• A Dedicated Organising Committee: Tasked with clearly defined operational responsibilities and authority for every participating department.

Addressing financial requirements, the Deputy Chief Minister assured stakeholders that the State Government would not allow funding constraints to hinder preparations. However, given the race’s expanded scale, she noted that municipal corporations and local bodies must also financially contribute to the event’s success.

Focus on Sustainability and Traffic Control

The meeting also addressed key logistical and environmental goals for the 1,099-km race. Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale proposed integrating eco-tourism initiatives, such as using bamboo-based products and launching solid waste management pilot projects in villages along the race route.

On the logistics front, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar expressed confidence in handling the scale of the upgraded event. He noted that traffic regulation would be smoother this year. The final stage of the competition is scheduled to take place on a public holiday. Which is expected to further boost public participation.

The review meeting concluded with the felicitation of various implementing agencies that contributed to the safe and professional execution of the inaugural Pune Grand Tour, laying the groundwork for the mega-event in 2027.

News Source: Punekar News