Pune has been caught up in cycling fever as the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 enters its final day. This event is more than a race on the calendar. It represents a landmark moment for Indian road cycling as the nation’s first UCI 2.2 classified men’s stage race. Over four demanding days, 171 riders representing 29 teams from 35 countries have taken on a course that offered no easy kilometres. From punishing climbs to fast descents and endless open roads, the routes across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range have tested both physical strength and mental focus. The race concludes today, January 23, with Stage 4 the Pune Pride Loop. Before the final laps decide the winner, it helps to reflect on how the race has shaped up so far.
At the heart of the story is Luke Mudgway. The New Zealander has emerged as the standout rider of the tour, claiming victories in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 and putting himself in firm control of the overall standings. Stage 3 was less about aggression and more about intelligence, as Mudgway rode calmly to defend the Yellow Jersey, showing confidence rather than urgency. His performances, along with the consistent support of the Li-Ning Star team, have set the standard throughout the race. Mudgway came to Pune in search of strong results and UCI points, but his commanding presence has turned him into the defining figure of India’s first UCI-listed multi-day men’s road race.
Stage 1 Mulshi–Maval Miles | January 20 (87.2 km)
The tour got underway with a brisk opening stage that moved through the Mulshi–Maval belt before entering Pune’s technology hub. Riders passed through areas like Hinjewadi, where smooth roads and city traffic created a fast but unpredictable start to the race.
Stage 2 Maratha Heritage Circuit | January 21 (105.3 km)
Day two brought a noticeable shift in difficulty. The route climbed steadily through the ghats surrounding Purandar Fort and Sinhagad, with the stretch along Khadakwasla Lake offering little relief. This stage separated the strong climbers from the rest of the field.
Stage 3 Western Ghats Gateway | January 22 (134 km)
The toughest challenge of the tour came on the third day. Spanning 134 kilometres, the route ran from Purandar to Baramati, crossing open sections of the Deccan Plateau before reaching the edges of the Western Ghats. Long distances and changing terrain made this a true test of endurance.
With three demanding stages completed, the riders now turn their attention to the final run through Pune.
Stage 4 Pune Pride Loop | January 23 (95 km)
The closing stage takes place on a 95-kilometre city circuit that winds through Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The race flags off at 1:30 PM from the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Balewadi. Featuring prominent city roads and landmarks, the Pune Pride Loop promises a fast, tactical finish to the tour.
