Luke Mudgway from Li Ning Star, China, maintained his lead in the Pune Grand Tour 2026 by securing victory in the Maratha Heritage Circuit, covering 105.3 kilometers in Pune district. This challenging stage tested endurance, teamwork, and nerve, showcasing the riders’ skills in a landscape marked by forts and steep gradients.
Starting from the Ladies Club in Camp and concluding at Nanded City, the stage pushed the riders both physically and mentally. Mudgway’s back-to-back wins in the event have solidified his position at the top of the general classification as the race progresses through Maharashtra’s rugged terrain.
Despite facing stiff competition, Mudgway clinched the stage, with Alan Carter Bettles of Roojai Insurance Winspeed, Thailand, finishing second and Yorben Lauryssen of Tarteletto–Isorex, Belgium, securing third place. The intense battle saw the top six riders crossing the finish line simultaneously, resulting in a photo finish ranking.
Mudgway, acknowledging the tough conditions, highlighted the challenges posed by the heat and demanding climbs. He credited his teammates for their support, emphasizing the collective effort that contributed to his success. The race’s defining moment came during a grueling ascent followed by a technical descent, where Mudgway’s dominance was evident.
Stefan Benetton claimed the King of the Mountains title, Jambaljamts Sainbayar retained the Orange Jersey for the Best Asian Rider, and Tijssen Viego and Sarda Manav secured the White and Blue Jerseys, respectively. As the tour progresses, the riders face new challenges in the upcoming Western Ghats Gateway stage, promising a tactically complex phase.
