Pune cyclists rush to aid German rider

Pune riders rally after crash damages bike, enabling ultra- cyclist to continue endurance race

- Varad Bhatkhande

Ina heartening display of sporting camaraderie, the Pune cycling community came together to help German ultra-cyclist Robert Miiller after he suffered a crash during the Pune Grand Tour 2026, leaving his bicycle badly damaged.

The Pune Grand Tour was organised from Jan 19 to Jan 23 across nine tehsils of Pune district, with Miiller among the international cyclists participating in the event.

Miiller, who travelled from Germany to compete in the Pune Grand Tour, was also registered for the 1,750km self-supported Ultra Spice Race, popularly known as the Goa-Ooty-

Goa ultra-cycling challenge. However, the crash threatened to end his participation, as his racing bicycle was rendered unusable just days before the ultra-endurance event.

An appeal for help was circulated among cyclists in