Former India captain MS Dhoni has taken on the role of Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026. This marks a significant milestone in India's venture into the global professional cycling arena. The five-day international road cycling race is scheduled to take place in Pune from January 19 to 23, placing both the city and the nation prominently on the world cycling stage.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to be India’s inaugural Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 category Continental Road Cycling Race for men. Spanning five challenging stages, the event will cover a total distance of 437 kilometers across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range. The course is designed to test the endurance and tactical skills of the cyclists, featuring sharp turns and significant elevation changes.
A total of 171 riders from 29 professional teams, representing 35 countries across five continents, will compete in this prestigious event. The competitive field will include Spain's Burgos Burpellet BH, currently ranked 27th in the UCI team rankings. Other notable teams include China's Li Ning Star and Malaysia's Terengganu Cycling Team, ensuring high standards of competition throughout the race.
MS Dhoni, known for his focus on fitness, discipline, and mental toughness, is a perfect fit for this role. As Goodwill Ambassador, he is expected to elevate the event's visibility and motivate young athletes to view cycling as a viable professional sport. Dhoni has expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a new chapter for Indian cycling while wishing success to both organizers and participants.
Leading the Indian challenge is decorated cyclist Naveen John, representing the Indian National Team. India will field a total of 12 riders, including those from an Indian Development Team. Organized by the Pune District Administration in conjunction with the Cycling Federation of India and the Government of Maharashtra, the race will pass through nine talukas and over 150 villages, merging elite sport with cultural heritage and promoting rural tourism.
Q1. What is the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer: The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s first UCI 2.2 category Continental Road Cycling Race, taking place from January 19 to 23, 2026, in Pune.
Q2. Who is the Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer: MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026.
Q3. How many countries will participate in the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer: A total of 35 countries will participate in the Pune Grand Tour 2026, with 171 riders from various professional teams competing.
Q4. What is the total distance of the race in the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer: The Pune Grand Tour 2026 will cover a total distance of 437 kilometers across five stages.
Q5. Who will lead the Indian team in the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer: Decorated cyclist Naveen John will lead the Indian team in the Pune Grand Tour 2026, representing the Indian National Team.
Question 1: What category is the Pune Grand Tour 2026 recognized under by UCI?
A) UCI 1.1
B) UCI 2.2
C) UCI 3.2
D) UCI 2.1
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many riders will compete in the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
A) 150
B) 171
C) 200
D) 120
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which prominent figure is associated with promoting the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
A) Sachin Tendulkar
B) MS Dhoni
C) Virat Kohli
D) Saina Nehwal
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: In which Indian state will the Pune Grand Tour take place?
A) Karnataka
B) Maharashtra
C) Gujarat
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the primary aim of the Pune Grand Tour 2026?
A) To promote cricket
B) To boost cycling tourism
C) To develop football
D) To host marathons
Correct Answer: B
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