The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 Trophy arrived in Hyderabad on 27th December 2025, marking the city as the fifth stop on its nationwide tour. The unveiling ceremony brought India’s premier international cycling event closer to reality ahead of its debut in January.
Shri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Government of Telangana, unveiled the heritage-inspired trophy. The ceremony also saw the presence of Shri K. Shiva Sena Reddy, Chairman, Sports Authority of Telangana, and Shri M. Ramesh, IPS, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sports.
Other dignitaries included Smt. A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana, Shri Pinaki Bysack, Race Technical Director, and Shri P. Malla Reddy, General Secretary, Telangana Olympic Association and Senior Vice President, Cycling Federation of India.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will be India’s first UCI 2.2 classified international road cycling race. Organised by the Pune District Administration with support from the Government of Maharashtra, the event will feature elite cyclists from around the world competing on Indian roads.
The 4-stage, 437-kilometre race will showcase Pune’s landscapes, from historic forts to rural terrain. The event positions India firmly on the global professional cycling calendar.
Hyderabad’s selection as a Trophy Tour stop reflects the city’s strong sporting infrastructure and growing focus on endurance sports and athlete development. The city has emerged as an important centre for organised sport in recent years.
The trophy itself carries deep cultural significance. Crafted by Pune’s renowned Tambat Aali coppersmith community, it symbolises eight historic forts and the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The design represents resilience, tradition and the pursuit of excellence.
The trophy stands 480mm tall and is forged entirely from copper. Its design features an eight-fold structure with an inner cavity shaped like a velodrome, representing the discipline and rhythm of cycling training.
The National Trophy Tour continues building anticipation across key Indian cities ahead of the race. The event is expected to serve as a qualifier for future Olympics, providing Indian cyclists a pathway to global competition.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 aims to develop a robust cycling culture in India and boost adventure tourism by inviting visitors to explore the host region’s history and natural beauty.
