Pune, Jan 15 (.) Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named the Goodwill Ambassador of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, lending star power to India’s first-ever international multi-stage professional road cycling race.
The five-day event, scheduled from January 19 to 23 in Pune, marks a major milestone for Indian cycling as it becomes the country’s first UCI 2.2 category Continental Road Race for men. Dhoni’s association comes at a crucial time as India steps onto the global professional cycling calendar.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Dhoni is expected to help raise the profile of the tournament and inspire greater participation in cycling, particularly among young athletes. Known for his focus on fitness, discipline, and endurance, Dhoni’s values align closely with the physical and mental demands of professional cycling.
“I’m happy to be associated with the Pune Grand Tour in promoting the sport. With the emergence of the Pune Grand Tour, India is pedalling into a new chapter in cycling as a professional sport,” Dhoni said. He also wished the organisers and riders well, while extending special encouragement to the Indian National Team, calling it “their moment to shine in front of home fans.”
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will feature a gruelling 437-kilometre route across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri ranges, testing riders with sharp bends and challenging elevations. The race has attracted an elite field of 171 riders from 29 teams representing 35 countries across five continents.
Spain’s Burgos Burpellet BH, ranked 25th in the UCI rankings, will headline the international lineup, followed by China’s Li Ning Star and Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team. India’s challenge will be led by veteran cyclist Naveen John for the Indian National Team, while the host nation will also field an Indian Development Team. In total, 12 Indian riders, along with four substitutes, will compete in the landmark event.
Organised by the Pune District Administration and the Government of Maharashtra under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, the race will pass through nine talukas and 150 villages. Alongside high-performance sport, the event aims to showcase Pune’s cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and rural tourism.
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