Overview
- Organisers say 29 teams with 171 riders from 35 countries have assembled in Pune for the Bajaj-sponsored event.
- The race runs January 19–23 with a 7.5 km prologue at Goodluck Chowk followed by four stages totaling 437 km across the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats.
- Stage profiles include urban sprints through Hinjewadi, steep ghat climbs near Purandar Fort and Sinhagad, crosswind-prone plateau roads to Baramati, and a technical Pune city circuit finish.
- India fields 12 cyclists split between the national and development teams, which the Cycling Federation of India frames as a development milestone.
- Riders and coaches report international-standard road quality and logistics, with the route showcasing 9 talukas and 150 villages across the district.