Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named Goodwill Ambassador for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage Continental Road Cycling Race for men. Scheduled from 19–23 January, the five-day race will cover a 437-km route across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, featuring challenging elevations and sharp bends that test even the most seasoned riders.
The event has attracted 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries, including Spain’s Pro Team Burgos Burpellet BH (ranked 25 in the UCI rankings), China’s Li Ning Star, and Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team. India will be represented by two teams: the Indian National Team, led by country’s most decorated cyclist Naveen John, and the Indian Development Team, featuring 12 riders in total with four substitutes.
Organisers say the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is poised to be a milestone for Indian cycling, providing domestic athletes with the chance to compete against international professionals on home terrain and showcasing India as a new destination on the global cycling calendar.
Dhoni said. “I’m happy to be associated with Pune Grand Tour in promoting the sport. With the emergence of Pune Grand Tour, India is pedalling into a new chapter in cycling as a professional sport. I wish the organisers, the Pune District Administrators, great success with the initiative and all the riders the very best. A special mention to the Indian National Team, this is their moment to shine in front of home fans and bring glory to the nation.”
