Bajaj Pune Grand Tour promoted to UCI 2.1 for six-stage race in January 2027

The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour has been promoted from the UCI 2.2 category to UCI 2.1, which means stronger international cyclists can take part in the 2027 race. The upgrade comes soon after Pune was awarded the 2032 UCI Road World Championships.

The second edition will be held from January 26 to 31, 2027, over six stages in Pune and different parts of Pune district. The higher category raises the race's standing internationally, and stronger teams and experienced riders will make the contest more interesting.

Pune was given the 2032 UCI Road World Championships at the UCI Congress in Montreal, Canada. It is the first city in India to host the biggest global event in road cycling. Against this background, the promotion of the Tour is seen as significant for Indian cycling. The race will showcase Pune's roads, its geographical diversity and its cycling culture to the world.

The first edition, held in January 2026, drew a huge response. A total of 171 cyclists from 29 teams from 35 countries took part, and about 25 lakh spectators lined the route. The success earned the Pune Grand Tour a place on India's international cycling calendar, and the UCI 2.1 category will raise its standing further.

With the move from UCI 2.2 to UCI 2.1, the race goes from Class 2 to Class 1 level in international road racing. Cyclists will get the chance to compete for more UCI ranking points, and stronger international teams and riders can come to Pune. Spectators will see a higher-level race across all six stages.

The 2027 race will start on January 26, Republic Day, and the final stage will be on January 31. Over the six stages, the cyclists will pass through different geographical areas of Pune and Maharashtra. The stages are Mulshi to Hinjewadi, Baramati to Saswad, Junnar to Rajgurunagar, Alandi to Lonavala-Khandala, Lonavala to Hinjewadi, and PCMC to Balgandharva Rangmandir. The route includes city roads, villages, historic sites and the difficult terrain of the Western Ghats.

UCI president David Lappartient welcomed the promotion of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour to UCI 2.1. He said the category would give Pune the chance to bring in stronger international races. According to him, races at this level give cyclists international racing experience, and teams, officials and organisers gain experience of working at a higher level. He said the race would be important for Pune as it prepares to host the UCI Road World Championships in 2032.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi called the promotion an important milestone for Indian cycling. He said the race would give Indian cyclists more opportunities to compete against experienced international riders.

Maninder Pal Singh, secretary general of the Cycling Federation of India, also welcomed the upgrade. He said it would give Indian cyclists a big platform to compete with some of the best riders in the world.