Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Pune Grand Tour Stage 2: Cyclists Immersed in Indian Culture
The Pune Grand Tour is a big cycling race in India.
After the second stage of the race, the cyclists were very happy to see so many people cheering for them along the route.
The crowds were especially big at the start and end points, and even in small villages.
The cyclists loved the Indian food, especially the spices, naans, and daals.
They also enjoyed wearing traditional Indian clothes like kurtas and sarees.
One cyclist from Estonia said he had never seen so many people cheering for a race before.
The cyclists took pictures with fans and even had to be escorted out of the crowds by security.
They plan to take home some of the traditional clothes and spices as souvenirs.
International cyclists were delighted by the large, enthusiastic crowds cheering them on during Stage 2 of the Pune Grand Tour.
Cyclists enjoyed Indian food, particularly spices, naans, tikka masala, and daals, and expressed interest in learning to cook Indian dishes.
Cyclists wore traditional Indian clothing like kurtas and sarees, which they loved and planned to take home as souvenirs.
The crowds were constant at the start and end points of the race and even in rural locations, with cyclists obliging to selfie requests and being escorted by security.
Cyclists compared the crowd reception in India to other countries like Rwanda, highlighting the unique and exciting atmosphere.
- Who
- International cyclists participating in the Pune Grand Tour and local crowds in Pune
- What
- Cyclists' immersion in Indian culture, including crowd reception, food, and traditional clothing
- When
- During and after Stage 2 of the Pune Grand Tour on January 21, 2026
- Where
- Pune, Purandar, Rajgad, and Haveli areas of Pune district
- Why
- To celebrate and engage with the local culture and community during the cycling event
Cyclists' Perspective
Organizers' Perspective
Crowd Reception
Cyclists' Perspective
Cyclists were delighted and overwhelmed by the large, enthusiastic crowds along the route, which they found unique and energizing.
Organizers' Perspective
Organizers aimed to create a vibrant atmosphere for the cyclists, successfully engaging local communities to cheer and support the riders.
- Event
- Pune Grand Tour Stage 2
- Date
- January 21, 2026
- Route Start
- Ladies Club, Pune Camp
- Route End
- Nanded City
- Distance
- 109 km
- Elevation
- 1,466 metres
- Road Closure Window
- 12 pm – 4 pm
- Cyclists' Reaction to Crowds
- Overwhelmed and delighted by the large, enthusiastic crowds
- Cyclists' Reaction to Food
- Enjoyed Indian spices, naans, tikka masala, and daals
- Cyclists' Reaction to Traditional Clothing
- Loved kurtas and sarees, planning to take them home
Sources
Crash involving multiple cyclists at Pune Grand Tour, race resumed after medical intervention
Luke Mudgway triumphs in the Mulshi–Maval stage of Pune Grand Tour
Pune Grand Tour Stage 2: Road closures and traffic diversions in place today
‘No serious’ injuries after crash on Day 1 of Pune Grand Tour
Caught On Camera: 30-Cyclist Pile-Up Brings Pune Grand Tour Stage 1 To A Halt | WATCH
Pune Grand Tour 2026: Schedule, Route Map, Road Closure Timings and Live Streaming
Pune Grand Tour: Medical teams stepped up care for 164 cyclists, treating over 50 for minor injuries
