India, Jan. 12 -- The maiden Pune Grand Tour, a five-day, 437-km multi-stage cycle race, will blend endurance sport with history as riders traverse the diverse terrain from January 19, with commentary highlighting the region's heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across the Deccan plateau.

Organised by the Pune District Administration with support from the Maharashtra government, the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, with one prologue and four stages, will see the participation of 171 elite cyclists from 35 countries, including France, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, China and Thailand, the organisers said on Sunday.

This is not just another sporting event. It is a unique opportunity to showcase Pune...