The curtains fell on the Pune Grand Tour with a star-studded flourish as Aamir Khan graced the closing ceremony on January 23. The perfectionist actor, an avid fitness advocate, connected deeply with the event’s fervor and paid glowing homage to Pune’s supportive community.
‘Pure joy! A total triumph,’ Aamir declared to reporters, his excitement palpable. ‘Kudos from the heart to Pune’s residents and officials – their backing made it unforgettable. Victory to Pune’s spirited people!’
Staged as India’s premier professional road cycling stage race, the tour ran from January 19 to 23, covering 437 kilometers of challenging terrain. Participants powered through the Deccan Plateau’s vast expanses, the Sahyadri range’s steep climbs, and Pune’s arterial roads – routes revived after years of traffic-induced neglect.
Meticulous planning shone through: roads were resurfaced, districts looped in, and riders qualified via stringent skill trials. Time-bound stages pushed limits in this high-stakes competition. India stole the spotlight with a historic 12-member team led by Asian silver medalist Harshveer Singh Sekhon, marking the country’s first UCI-approved road race entry of such scale.
Featuring 28 international teams and 164 elite cyclists from 35 countries, the event was a melting pot of talent. Aamir’s involvement injected star power, resonating with fans and athletes alike. Pune’s Grand Tour not only reclaimed its cycling legacy but also signaled a bright future for the sport in urban India.