Pune to host UCI Road World Championships for first time in 2032

Pune will become India's first host city for the Union Cycliste Internationale's flagship Road World Championships, following an announcement at the UCI Congress in Montreal on Wednesday. The award caps a collaborative bid effort involving the Government of Maharashtra, the Cycling Federation of India, and support from the Government of India, which emphasised the city's potential as a global cycling hub.

A senior delegation from Maharashtra's government travelled to Montreal to present Pune's candidature to the UCI's decision-making body. The delegation included Maninder Pal Singh, secretary general of the Cycling Federation of India, and Onkar Singh, former secretary general of the Asian Cycling Confederation.

Pune emerged victorious in a closely contested two-way race against Groningen and Drenthe in the Netherlands, after Colombia and Mexico were eliminated during earlier rounds of the candidature process. The bid's momentum gained strength following a positive assessment by a three-member UCI inspection team that visited the city.

The UCI Road World Championships represents one of professional cycling's most prestigious events, bringing together elite riders and enthusiasts from across the globe. Hosting the 2032 championships positions Pune to cement its status as a major venue for international sporting events while boosting cycling infrastructure and participation across India.