CYCLING FEDERATION OF INDIA (CFI) has announced selection trials for India’s men’s riders, with plans to field two teams, India A and India B, at the upcoming Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, scheduled from 19 to 23 January 2026. The event marks India’s first UCI 2.2 category road race.
The National Road Cycling Championship-cum-selection trials will take place from 2–6 December in Sambalpur, Odisha. Shortlisted riders will undergo a final assessment during a National Road Race in Pune on 28 December.
By introducing two national teams, CFI aims to offer both emerging and experienced cyclists a wider platform to showcase their abilities on a domestic and international stage.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is positioned as a key event designed to secure a permanent slot for Pune and India on the Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) global calendar. The inaugural edition will draw international competitors and feature four demanding stages covering 437 km across the scenic terrain of the Pune district.
CFI general secretary Maninder Pal Singh said, “The National Championship-cum-selection trial is a crucial step towards assembling our strongest line-ups for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026. The introduction of two teams, India A and India B, reflects our focus on nurturing a broader pool of talent and elevating the standard of Indian cycling.”
