Helicopters for emergency, infrastructure upgrade: Pune wants Grand Challenge Tour cycling to be stepping stone to hosting Olympics

“Roads, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure and safety measures required for the event must be developed to meet international competition standards and quality. All relevant departments should prioritise these tasks, ensuring that there is no compromise on quality,” said Pulkundwar after the meeting held at his office.

“Government hospitals along the route should be upgraded, and nearby private hospitals should be designated for emergency facilities, he said adding. There should also be preparedness for helicopter services for emergency situations,” he said.

Pulkundwar said this is the first time Pune is hosting an international cycling event, which is a “matter of pride”. “This competition is extremely important and prestigious for both us and the country. Progress review meetings will be held every 15 days to monitor the preparations”

He said the roads for the competition must be prepared in accordance with the standards set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling.

The Public Works Department (PWD), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) need to ensure uniformity across all the roads involved, he urged. Also, a third-party agency should be appointed to conduct regular inspections of the work, he said.

“Road construction should begin next week. The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has identified accident-prone spots along the route. The police and other departments should implement necessary safety measures. All entry points where two-wheelers, other vehicles, people, or animals might enter should be identified and sealed off before the event,” said Pulkundwar.

Need for comprehensive security plan

He said the police department needs to create a comprehensive security plan, train the necessary personnel, and start rehearsals. “It is essential that all departments ensure that the deployed personnel remain in place until the event is over. A request will be submitted to the state government regarding this matter,” he said.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi said around seven countries have an interest in the event so far, and nearly 50 countries are expected to participate. The race will cover several locations: Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, Purandar, Bhor, and Velhe.

“Hosting international-level cycling, swimming, gymnastics, and athletics events is essential for a bid to host the Olympics, making this competition highly significant. It is important to make this event a success to hold it annually in the future,” Dudi added.

The Pune Grand Challenge Tour is jointly organised by the CFI and the Maharashtra government. It is recognised by the UCI and will serve as a qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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