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Pune Grand Tour Opens With Record Field as Road Closures Snarl City

Officials used the UCI race to fast-track Rs 500 crore in road upgrades.

Overview

  • The five-day UCI 2.2 race runs January 19–23 over a 437 km route across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range.
  • The event features 171 riders from 29 teams representing 35 countries, including India’s largest-ever 12-rider contingent at a UCI-accredited road race.
  • Pune’s district collector ordered a one-day holiday for schools and colleges in specified wards, with police restricting traffic between 9 am and 6 pm.
  • Commuters reported sudden barricades and limited detours on FC Road, JM Road and Ganeshkhind, while traders cited reduced footfall as police emphasized participant safety.
  • Authorities say roughly Rs 500 crore funded resurfacing, road widenings and the removal of speed breakers with contractor penalties and five-year maintenance clauses, and organisers aim to upgrade future editions.