Pune Creates Sporting History with Inaugural UCI 2.2 Cycling Event
Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Pune has witnessed a landmark moment in Indian sporting history. The city successfully concluded the country's first-ever UCI 2.2 category professional cycling event on Friday, marking global cycling's official entry into India through what many call the 'city of cycles'.
UCI Considers Status Upgrade for Future Editions
The impact of the four-day Pune Grand Tour has been so significant that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is already considering upgrading its status as early as next year. Speaking to select media on the sidelines of the race, UCI director general Amina Lanaya revealed the governing body's ambitious plans for India's cycling future.
'Next year, we hope that we could upgrade the status of the race,' Lanaya announced. 'That's our goal, together with the District Collector and with the National Federation as well, because we want this race to be a reference in Asia in the five coming years.'
Impressive Organization and International Participation
Lanaya explained that the quality of organization has been particularly impressive, especially considering the event was planned in just six months. 'We can say that we are really impressed,' she noted, highlighting Pune's demonstrated capacity to deliver high-class sporting events.
The international flavor of the event was unmistakable, with 164 elite riders from 28 teams representing 35 countries across five continents competing. At the center of attention was New Zealand's 29-year-old Luke Mudgway, who emerged as the overall winner with a cumulative time of 09:33:04 after Stage 4.
The podium was completed by Thailand's Alan Carter Bettles in second place and Belgium's Yorben Lauryssen in third, showcasing the truly global nature of the competition.
Positive Feedback and Future Prospects
Feedback from teams and riders has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Lanaya. 'The feedback are very good,' she revealed. 'They say, 'wow, the crowds along the roads,' but not only the crowds; the smiling faces. Indian people are very happy to welcome this event because it's new.'
She particularly appreciated that cycling events remain accessible to all spectators. 'If you want to watch a cycling race, it's free. You don't have to pay for a ticket like in other sports, which sometimes are very expensive.'
Asia's Growing Role in Global Cycling
While Europe remains cycling's traditional center, the UCI believes other regions are ready to take on bigger responsibilities. 'We had our first UCI World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, and it was a huge success,' Lanaya pointed out. 'Asia is capable and has proven that it can do even more and even better.'
Beyond hosting events, the UCI plans to support rider development in India through its World Cycling Centre in Switzerland and its Asian satellite centers. They will work closely with the Indian Cycling Federation to identify and nurture talent across disciplines including road cycling and BMX.
Pune as a Model for Other Indian Cities
When asked what other Indian cities could do to host UCI-accredited races, Lanaya suggested they should follow Pune's example. 'They should call the collector and ask for advice because he did a great job,' she remarked with a smile.
She emphasized the broader benefits of hosting such events: 'It will be a good publicity for not only the Indians themselves, but also the local authorities to welcome such a cycling event and also see what will be the outcomes of hosting this event. Because it's not only having riders and teams participating, it will boost also, if we have people watching the race on TV, showcasing the districts, showcasing the region and giving them the willingness to visit the city.'
Looking Toward World Championships in India
Looking ahead, Lanaya suggested that Pune's success could be a stepping stone to even bigger ambitions for India. 'So it will also be, maybe, an opportunity to host World Championships in India in the years to come, and that should be part of the roadmap that we have to put together with all the parties involved,' the UCI director general concluded.
The event received official recognition when Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar flagged off the third stage, underscoring the political and administrative support that made this historic event possible. As Pune celebrates this sporting milestone, the cycling world watches with anticipation to see how India will build on this successful beginning.
