Launch of "Indian Cycling League" marks the official start of Indian cycling's Renaissance

The wispers were right - the renaissance of Indian cycling has indeed arrived. The innaugural edition of Pune Grand Tour in January seemed like a shot in the dark. After all, India has not hosted an international UCI road race for over a decade. And despite the local athletes failing to leave their mark on the race dominated by riders from Australia and New Zealand, the 'fourth Grand Tour' is set to return for another edition in 2027.

The event enjoyed such a tremendous success with Indian public that, according to Escape Collective, the government approved funds to launch the first season of Indian Cycling League (ICL), starting in November 2026 - in European off-season. Similarly to other national cycling leagues in Asia, the series won't fall under the jurisdiction of UCI, allowing for a less formal approach.

Participating will be eight teams representing eight different Indian states. Each team will consist of 10 cyclists; 6 elite Indian athletes, 2 junior (born 2009 or younger) Indian athletes, and 2 foreigners. Based on the financial options of each state and prize money, it is to be expected that the international riders should be each team's aces.

The League rounds themselves will each consist of three races; an individual time trial, a criterium, and a road race. The first round will take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the second week of November 2026. The locations for the remaining rounds, including a 'Grande Finale' are yet to be disclosed.