Pune Grand Tour 2026: India’s first UCI 2.2 cycling race to be broadcast on Star Sports, JioHotstar

A total of 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries and five continents are competing.

A new era dawns upon Indian cycling with Pune set to establish itself as a Global District with the inaugural Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI 2.2 category multi-stage road race, unveiling distribution plans with two of the world’s premier broadcasters, JioStar and Warner Brothers Discovery.

The landmark five-day race, starting on 19 January 2026, will see a fierce competition between riders from 28 teams who have arrived in Pune from Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa tackling challenging routes of 437-kms through the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, blending high-stakes sport with the region’s rich heritage.

Having last week named former Indian cricket captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni as the Goodwill Ambassador for Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, the organisers have now announced another major addition to the most exciting event, bringing Star Sports and JioHotstar onboard for LIVE broadcast in India, and Warner Brothers Discovery’s OTT platforms, HBO Max and Discovery+, for live streaming in Europe. 

Additionally, the live stream can be accessed around the world outside of India on www.punegrandtour.in. These broadcast arrangements will reach millions, showcasing Pune’s newly laid cycling routes through the district’s scenic and diverse landscapes and cultural legacy.

The Eurosport and Eurosport Asia television channels – the home of all cycling – will showcase Highlight packages across 61+ countries combined.

Live English commentary of the Tour will be anchored by acclaimed television presenter Ned Boulting, who has reported on every Tour de France since 2003. He will be joined by former professional cyclist Graham Jones, a five-time Tour de France rider, and former Indian cyclist Abhijit Sett.

The commentary team combines decades of elite racing experience and broadcast expertise to deliver authoritative and engaging coverage of the India’s first UCI approved cycling Tour.

Also Read: MS Dhoni named Goodwill Ambassador for historic Pune Grand Tour 2026

Mr. Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Collector, Pune District and In-charge Bajaj Pune Grand Tour said, “We are extremely delighted to bring Bajaj Pune Grand Tour to the global audience and establish Pune and India permanently in the UCI cycling calendar.

The Pune Grand Tour is a collaborative effort by Pune District Administration, Government of Maharashtra and Cycling Federation of India, that brings together the best of international as well as home grown Indian riders. We are confident that sports fans across the world will enjoy watching the arrival of India on the global cycling stage.”

Broadcast Details:

• LIVE Streaming

Star Sports & JioHotstar: India Sub-continent and India respectively

HBO Max & Discovery+ : 70+ territories including all major markets in Europe.

• HIGHLIGHTS

Eurosport 1: 50+ countries

Eurosport Asia: 11 countries

1. Commentators

Ned Boulting, Graham Jones and Abhijit Sett 

Race Stages:

• 19 Jan 2026: PROLOGUE (7.5 KM) – GOODLUCK CHOWK: Team’s pole position
• 20 Jan 2026: STAGE 1: MULSI-MAVAL MILES (87.2 KM, Elevation 828 M): Weaving through Pune’s IT hub Hinjewadi, this opening stage combines flat sprints with sharp urban turns, focusing on landmarks and scenery, blending tech with nature.
• 21 Jan 2026: STAGE 2: MARATHA HERITAGE CIRCUIT (105.3 KM, Elevation 1051 M): Cyclists will ascend the challenging ghats, facing steep gradients of the Purandar Fort, Sinhagad and Khadakwasla Lake, making the Day-2 a true test of endurance.
• 22 Jan 2026: STAGE 3: WESTERN GHATS GATEWAY (134 KM, Elevation 1024 M): Stretching across the Deccan plateau from Purandar to Baramati, Day-3 favours speed and tactical prowess, with crosswinds and rolling terrain to keep competitors on edge.
• 23 Jan 2026: STAGE 4: PUNE PRIDE LOOP (95 KM, Elevation 578 M): The final phase winds through the urban sprawls of Pune, passing through modernity and historic relevance like Shaniwar Wada, featuring technical sections and a dramatic finish.

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