Pune Grand Challenge Tour To Boost Maharashtra’s Global Tourism Push

Annual international cycling event to put Pune on the world sports map, says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the upcoming Pune Grand Challenge Tour, an international-level cycling competition, will play a pivotal role in establishing Pune as a premier global destination for sports and tourism. The event, to be held annually, is expected to become a popular entry in the global sports calendar within the next three to four years.

The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pune District Administration and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) at the Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai. The MoU formalizes the hosting of the Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, and Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, among others.

Fadnavis emphasized that Maharashtra is committed to encouraging eco-friendly, globally recognized sporting events that also enhance state tourism. “The Pune Grand Challenge Tour will not only bring the world’s top cyclists to Maharashtra but also showcase our natural landscapes, infrastructure, and organizational capabilities,” he said.

The event is expected to generate international media visibility, boost hotel occupancy, and promote eco-tourism and adventure sports in and around Pune.

Organizers aim to position the Pune Grand Challenge as India’s premier international cycling competition, with participation from top-tier global cycling teams, making it a key fixture in Asia’s competitive cycling circuit.