Host India to field two Elite teams for Pune Grand Tour 2026

New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has announced selection trials for Indian men's elite riders, with an aim to field two teams, namely 'India A' and 'India B' for the forthcoming Pune Grand Tour - India's first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 category Road Race in January 19-23, 2026.

The National Road Cycling Championship-cum-selection trial is scheduled from December 2-6, at Sambalpur, Odisha. The shortlisted athletes will further be evaluated through a National Road Race in Pune on December 28, 2025, as per a CFI press release.

The presence of two Indian teams - 'India A' and 'India B', will provide a broader platform for emerging and seasoned cyclists alike to demonstrate their prowess on a national and international stage.

The ambitious Pune Grand Tour 2026, sponsored by Bajaj, is India's flagship event aimed to earn Pune and India's permanent window in the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI) global calendar. The inaugural edition will attract elite international cyclists, promising fierce competition and world-class sporting action. The Tour will feature four stages, 437-km challenging routes that will wind through the scenic landscapes of the Pune district, making it one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the country.

Speaking on the upcoming selection trial, Maninder Pal Singh, General Secretary, Cycling Federation of India, said: "The National Championship-cum-selection trial is a crucial step towards assembling our strongest line-ups for the Pune Grand Tour 2026. The introduction of two teams, India A and India B, reflects our focus on nurturing a broader pool of talent and elevating the standard of Indian cycling." (ANI)

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