The Indian cycling team has landed in Pune for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Road Cycling Race for Men. This event is a significant milestone for the sport in the country. Scheduled from January 19 to 23, the race will cover 437 kilometers and involve 171 elite riders from 29 teams representing 35 countries across five continents.
As the excitement builds for this historic event, the Indian national cycling contingent’s arrival in Pune marks the final phase of preparations for India’s largest international road cycling competition. The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has announced that India will have two teams participating in the event: the Indian National Team and the Indian Development Team. This move aims to expand the competitive pool and offer both experienced and emerging riders a chance to compete at an elite international level on home ground.
The Indian National Team includes top cyclists like Naveen John, Sahil Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Harshveer Singh Sekhon, Vishwajeet Singh, and Surya Thathu. These riders will represent India in the prestigious race. The Indian Development Team comprises promising talents such as Sachin Desai, Niraj Kumar, Vivaan Sapru, Manav Sarda, Chirag Sehgal, and Akshar Tyagi, showcasing the next generation of Indian road cycling stars.
Selection for the two Indian teams involved a rigorous evaluation process that began with the National Road Cycling Championship-cum-selection trials in Sambalpur, Odisha, from December 2 to 6, 2025. This ensured that riders were tested on terrains similar to those in the Grand Tour stages. Naveen John, the leader of the Indian National team, is the sole Indian cyclist to have ridden professionally for a UCI Continental team based in Australia.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the Pune Grand Tour, Naveen John stated that competing on Indian roads in front of home fans is a proud moment for the team. He emphasized that participating in a UCI 2.2 stage race in India signifies a significant advancement for the sport and presents an exciting opportunity to challenge international competitors while representing the nation. The Cycling Federation of India Secretary General, Maninder Pal Singh, highlighted the importance of fielding two teams, stating that it allows for the expansion of the talent pool and offers exposure to both established and emerging riders at an elite international level.
With Team India now in Pune and final preparations in progress, the inaugural Pune Grand Tour is poised to be one of the most notable cycling events ever held in the country. This event will further solidify India’s position on the global professional road cycling stage.
