Pune: Luke Mudgway of New Zealand capped a commanding week for Li Ning Star of China by clinching the overall title at the inaugural Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, which concluded with a city-centre finish on Friday.
The four-stage race covered a demanding 437 kilometres, with Li Ning Star asserting complete control to top the team General Classification in a cumulative time of 28:41:19. Spain’s Burgos Burpellet BH finished second at 28:42:09, while Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team completed the podium with 28:48:19, according to reports.
Mudgway, 29, secured the individual General Classification in 09:33:04, finishing 14 seconds ahead of Thailand’s Alan Carter Bettles of Roojai Insurance Winspeed. Belgium’s Yorben Lauryssen of Tarteletto–Isorex placed third, 19 seconds further adrift. Early victories in the opening two stages gave Mudgway a crucial advantage, enabling him to defend the yellow jersey comfortably through the remainder of the tour.
Li Ning Star’s depth proved decisive, with stage wins coming from three different riders, reflecting the team’s consistency and tactical strength across the race.
The closing ceremony was held at Balgandharva Rangmandir on J.M. Road, Pune, and was attended by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse; Maharashtra’s Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil; Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj; Panchshil Realty Chairman Atul Chordia; Member of Parliament Medha Kulkarni, along with senior district and police officials. Winners across categories were felicitated for their endurance, grit, and competitive excellence.
An estimated crowd of over 20 lakh spectators lined the 437-kilometre route across stages, offering vocal support to the riders, according to an official statement. The turnout underscored the growing reach of competitive sport in India, extending well beyond stadiums into towns, villages, and everyday public spaces.
