Pune, Jan. 16 -- With just 72 hours to go until the start of India's inaugural UCI 2.2 Continental Cycling Road Race - the Pune Grand Tour 2026, Indian riders are ready to embrace the experience, learning, and take up the challenge that brings them to the brink of breaking into the international circuit, according to a release.

India will field its largest contingent of 12 riders for the first time, as Pune hosts the country's first-ever UCI-accredited road race.

Prior to the biggest home test, members of the Indian contingent, comprising of two teams of 6 riders each - the Indian National Team and Indian Development Team - spoke openly in a media interaction today about their preparation, expectations and the pride of representing Indi...