The city of Pune bears many monikers – from Oxford of the East to Pensioners’ Paradise and from the automobile hub to western India’s IT destination. Among all these, the one tag that this city wore with pride has gotten lost along the way – Pune – The City of Cycles. That’s right, it was known for its streets filled with cycles with people of all age groups riding them.

After all these years, the city has now decided to reclaim its title and put itself on the world’s cycling map. Welcome to Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026, India’s first-of-its-kind cycling challenge that invites global cycling enthusiasts to cycle through the Gateway of Deccan Plateau. An initiative by District Pune, this marquee cycling event aims to promote the rich geographical diversity of the region and introduce the world to Pune’s culture.

The Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026 is planned across 684 kilometres, and is split across 4 stages. The idea is to present multiple challenges to the cyclists and, at the same time, take them through the hills, rivers, grasslands, and the rich cultural history of the place. This will also help put Pune District on the global tourism map for its natural and cultural richness.

The event will go a long way in reinforcing the habit of cycling among the citizens and thus give a massive push to sustainability. With deep engagement with the local communities, Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026 has the designs to make Pune, India’s Next Global Cycling & Tourism Hub.