India, Jan. 27 -- The Pune Grand Tour 2026 was an opportunity for Indian cyclists to test themselves against some of the best in the world. India's first-ever continental multi-stage UCI road race event brought with it several challenges for the riders, but provided a platform for home riders to learn.

Road cycling is not a popular discipline among elite cyclists who are mostly into track events. Most of the Indian riders competing in the world level competition, which also offered points for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification, were those who do endurance events on the track.

Among the 12 Indian riders, who participated in two teams, Harshveer Singh Sekhon finished as India's leading performer thus winning the Blue jersey.

"It was...