Fergus Browning claims Prologue as Pune Grand Tour 2026 begins
India’s first Continental multi-stage cycling race began in Pune with an exciting Prologue, where Australian Fergus Browning claimed the Yellow Jersey. Indian rider Harshveer Singh emerged as the fastest local cyclist in a strong international field
Pune: Asian Championship medallist Harshveer Singh impressed as India’s first-ever Continental multi-stage road race for men cyclists burst into life, with the Pune Grand Tour 2026 rolling out from the city’s most happening spot on Monday. The Prologue stage officially launched the five-day spectacle, setting the competitive tone for what promises to be a landmark week in Indian cycling.
At exactly 1:30 pm, Sachin Desai of the Indian National Development Team became the first rider to roll out, with the crowd erupting in chants of “Sachin, Sachin” at the start point.
However, when the dust settled, it was Fergus Browning who stamped his authority on the opening day. Riding for the Terengganu Cycling Team of Malaysia, the Australian produced a blistering ride to stop the clock at 08:05.89. Averaging over 50 km per hour, Browning not only claimed the fastest time but also earned the coveted Yellow Jersey for Stage 1 beginning Tuesday.
“I had gone out pretty hard and, with the downhill coming to the finish, you just try to hang on and go as fast as you can,” Browning said after finishing first in the Prologue. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming here. Hats off to the race organisers, the roads today were amazing and well patrolled. I am definitely looking forward to the hillier stages. I prefer the climbs. But we get through day by day and see how the rest of the race unfolds.”
The narrow margins at the top underlined the intensity of the contest. Browning’s compatriot Dylan Hopkins, representing Roojai Insurance Winspace of Thailand, finished second with 08:06.33. Estonia’s Andreas Miltiadis of Quick Pro Team secured third in 08:08.92, followed by Belgium’s Yorben Lauryssen of Tarteletto-Isorex with a time of 08:11.49. Zeb Kyffin, also from Terengganu, completed the top five.
Among the local competitors, Harshveer Singh Sekhon of the Indian National Team emerged as the fastest Indian and third-fastest Asian, posting 08:42.07 to secure the 26th starting position for Stage 1. Vishwajeet Singh (08:47.33) and Naveen John (08:49.44) finished 35th and 43rd respectively.
The Prologue ran from Goodluck Chowk to the Deccan Gymkhana bus stop, covering a fast and technical 7.5 km circuit. Unlike mass-start stages, the format demanded focus and discipline, with 164 riders setting off individually at one-minute intervals.
Classified as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 event, the Pune Grand Tour carries global significance. Performances here contribute valuable ranking points towards qualification for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.
Attention now shifts to Tuesday’s Stage 1, the Mulshi–Maval Miles, spanning 87.2 km with an elevation gain of 828 metres. The route blends urban stretches with sharp turns and rolling terrain, promising the first real test of team tactics and endurance.
With four more stages to come, from demanding ghat climbs to a dramatic city-centre finale, the Prologue has set the order, ignited the competition, and announced that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is already delivering on its promise as India’s bold entry into world-class cycling.