India, Dec. 28 -- From long-delayed resurfacing of arterial roads to renewed focus on camber, gradients and drainage, Pune's infrastructure revamp has found an unlikely yet global showcase in elite sport.

The city, once known as the Cycle Capital of India in the 1960s and 1970s, is preparing to host India's first-ever international Grand Tour cycling event in January 2026. The scale of preparations has pushed civic and state agencies into fast-track mode, triggering an unprecedented level of coordination on road works, usually seen only during major religious events or elections.

Inspired by iconic races such as the Tour de France, the Pune Grand Tour 2026, scheduled from January 19 to 23, will span nearly 437 km across nine tehsils of ...