‘We’re creating more than a league; we’re crafting a professional framework to spot and develop cycling talent,’ Mandaviya remarked. He linked the initiative to national goals of promoting fitness, predicting it will captivate international audiences and elevate India’s global sports profile.

Recent successes, including high-profile events in Pune and Ahmedabad alongside community rides like Sunday on Cycle, have set the stage. These have sparked widespread interest, and the CLI aims to channel this energy into a structured, competitive platform.

Eight regional franchises will compete, each with a ten-member squad featuring international stars and promising juniors. This blend guarantees fierce rivalry and talent pipeline development.

The season structure spans three phases culminating in an epic finale, with race varieties like criterium sprints, team trials, and mass starts offering diverse excitement. As professional cycling gains traction in India, the CLI stands to become a cornerstone of the sport’s growth.