Pune’s vibrant streets came alive on the final day of the Pune Grand Tour as Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan made a surprise appearance. The actor, known for his thoughtful roles and fitness enthusiasm, joined the festivities and showered praise on the city’s residents for their unwavering support.
Speaking exclusively to the media, Aamir expressed his delight at being part of the event. ‘It was an absolute blast, and this has been a resounding success,’ he said with a beaming smile. ‘My heartfelt salute to Pune’s locals and the administration. Their cooperation turned this into a spectacular show. Jai Pune ki janta!’
The Pune Grand Tour, a prestigious annual professional road cycling stage race, unfolded across the city’s diverse terrains from January 19 to 23. Riders tackled a grueling 437 kilometers, weaving through the Deccan Plateau, Sahyadri Mountains, and expansive highways. This edition marked a revival for cycling in Pune, where traffic congestion had long sidelined the sport.
Organizers went all out, repairing roads in key areas and enforcing strict time limits for competitors. Only skilled cyclists who passed rigorous pre-event tests earned a spot in the race. This year, a record-breaking 12-member Indian team, led by Asian Championship silver medalist Harshveer Singh Sekhon, represented the nation for the first time in a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-recognized event.
In total, 28 teams from 35 countries fielded 164 professional riders, making it a truly global spectacle. Aamir’s presence added Bollywood glamour to the sporting triumph, underscoring Pune’s growing stature as a hub for elite cycling events. As the tour concluded, the city’s passion for the sport shone brighter than ever, promising even bigger editions in the future.