Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Jan 23: New Zealand rider Luke Mudgway delivered a commanding performance to clinch the overall title of the Pune Grand Tour 2026, leading his team to the top of the general classification as the inaugural edition concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday. The final stage, the vibrant Pune Pride Loop, capped a landmark week that firmly placed India on the global professional cycling calendar.
The closing Stage 4, a 95-kilometre circuit through the heart of Pune, blended modern cityscapes with historic landmarks such as Shaniwar Wada, testing riders with 578 metres of elevation before bringing the four-stage race to its conclusion.
After covering a punishing 437 kilometres, Li Ning Star of China emerged as the strongest team overall, finishing with a combined time of 28:41:19. Their consistency across all stages, anchored by Mudgway’s form, proved decisive. Spanish outfit Burgos Burpellet BH, the only ProTeam in the race, finished second, while Terengganu Cycling Team of Thailand secured third place, reflecting the international depth of the competition.
At the centre of the spotlight was the 29-year-old Mudgway, who stood tall against a field of 164 riders from 28 teams representing 35 countries. His early dominance, including wins on the opening two stages, allowed him to control the race from the front. He completed the tour ahead of Alan Carter Bettles of Thailand and Yorben Lauryssen of Belgium, defending the Yellow Jersey from start to finish.
Mudgway also claimed the Green Jersey for points classification, underlining his all-round consistency. Yet, he was quick to credit his teammates for the success, highlighting the collective effort behind the victory and noting that Li Ning Star won stages with three different riders during the tour.
The final stage itself was won by Aliaksei Shnyrko of Li Ning Star, followed closely by teammate Cameron Nicholas Scott, with Dylan Hopkins of Roojai Insurance Winspeed finishing third. Though the overall standings were largely settled earlier, the result reinforced Li Ning Star’s dominance and provided a celebratory end to the race.
Other classification honours were shared among standout performers. Clement Alleno of Burgos Burpellet BH claimed the King of the Mountains (Polka Dot Jersey), while Jambaljamts Sainbayar secured the Best Asian Rider (Orange Jersey). The White Jersey for Best Young Rider went to Dutch cyclist Tijssen Viego, and India’s pride shone through Harshveer Singh Sekhon, who finished as India’s Leading Performer, earning the Blue Jersey.
Union Cycliste Internationale Director General Amina Lanaya praised the event, calling it an emotional and proud moment for Indian sport. She said the first edition had set a high benchmark and expressed confidence that cycling could grow rapidly in India with the support of fans, authorities, and federations.
As a UCI 2.2-ranked event, the Pune Grand Tour carried Olympic ranking points towards LA 2028, adding competitive significance to its success. More importantly, the race demonstrated India’s ability to host elite, multi-stage international cycling events.
As Mudgway crossed the finish line in yellow amid roaring crowds, the message from Pune was clear — this was more than the conclusion of a race; it marked the arrival of a new chapter for professional cycling in India.