Pune, Jan 20 (NationPress) Luke Mudgway, riding for the Chinese team Li Ning Star, claimed victory in the first stage of the Pune Grand Tour 2026, securing the Yellow Jersey as the overall leader in the road race. Meanwhile, Harshveer Singh Sekhon earned the Blue Jersey as the top Indian rider during the opening day of competition on Tuesday.

Harshveer, representing the Indian National Team, was the standout performer among local riders, thus earning the Blue Jersey. The first stage saw various accolades distributed among competitors. Jambalijamts Sainbayar from Burgos Burpellet BH, Spain, was awarded the Orange Jersey as the best Asian rider, while Spiero Tamar from Team Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam took home the White Jersey for best young rider.

The Pune Grand Tour 2026 commenced its inaugural stage on Tuesday, known as the Mulshi–Maval Miles, starting from the TCS Circle near Hinjewadi. Over a rigorous 87.2 kilometers, participants navigated through expansive grasslands, winding mountain paths, and glistening backwaters, setting a fierce tone for the race.

As the peloton raced towards the finish line, it was Luke Mudgway of Li Ning Star, China, who emerged victorious with a time of 02:00:21 following an exhilarating sprint to the end.

Mudgway's triumph was hard-won, as Andreas Matildas from Quick Pro Team, Estonia, closely followed in second place with a time of 02:00:27, and Yorben Lauryssen from Tarteletto-Isorex, Belgium, rounding out the podium at 02:00:30.

According to Union Cycliste Internationale regulations for stage races, the top three finishers received time bonuses of 10, 6, and 4 seconds, respectively. In competitive races where time gaps are measured in seconds, Mudgway's 10-second bonus could prove crucial. He understood the importance of his achievement.

Describing the initial kilometers as intensely quick, Mudgway noted that maintaining a position near the front was vital as the race began to splinter following the first categorized climb.

"It was incredibly fast from the start. I maintained my position at the front, and after the first categorized climb, we split into two or three groups. I sprinted for the finish with the support of my teammates, and I’m thrilled to have secured the win for the team," Mudgway remarked.

When asked about the most challenging segment of the race, he stated, "The descent after the first categorized climb was incredibly steep and technical. This stretch made a significant difference in the outcome of the race, allowing us to create a gap. It was a crucial and rapid part of the race, and I’m pleased we finished strong."

Earlier in the day, the stage had already demonstrated its unpredictable nature. Georgios Bouglas initiated the action by winning the first intermediate sprint, finishing ahead of Dutch competitor Tamar Spiero and India's Vishwajeet Singh.

However, shortly after the first checkpoint, the race faced a 23-minute neutralization due to an incident involving riders in the second peloton group.

As a safety precaution in accordance with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) protocols, the race was temporarily halted. UCI officials and the medical team responded promptly. All involved riders underwent medical evaluations, and technical teams addressed the bicycles affected.

Climbs served as launchpads for aggressive attacks from the strongest competitors.

Killian Larpe from Sélection Nationale Team France Défense claimed maximum points at the first King of the Mountains checkpoint, but it was Cristian Railaenu of Li Ning Star who exhibited remarkable consistency across the climbs. Finishing in the top three at every mountain checkpoint, Railaenu garnered five points to earn the Polka Dot Jersey, establishing himself as the day's premier climber.

With the Mulshi–Maval stage concluded, attention now shifts to Stage Two, which features the challenging Maratha Heritage Circuit. Spanning 105.3 kilometers with a daunting elevation gain of 1,051 meters, the route through Purandar Fort, Sinhagad, and Khadakwasla Lake promises to test riders' endurance and climbing prowess. Following an intense opening day filled with speed, suspense, and survival, the Pune Grand Tour has clearly indicated that this race will require much more than simply fast legs.

Stage 1 Summary:

Podium:

Winner - Luke Mudgway (Li Ning Star, China) – 02:00:21

2nd place - Andreas Matildas (Quick Pro Team, Estonia) – 02:00:27

3rd place - Yorben Lauryssen (Tarteletto–Isorex, Belgium) – 02:00:30

Jersey Leaders after Stage 1:

Yellow Jersey (General Classification – Time): Luke Mudgway (LNS, China)

Green Jersey (Points Classification): Luke Mudgway (LNS, China) – 22 points

Polka Dot Jersey (Mountains/KOM): Cristian Raileanu (Bib 16, LNS, China) – 5 points

Orange Jersey (Best Asian Rider): Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Bib 4, BBH, Mongolia)

White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Tamar Spiero (Bib 263, WIG, Netherlands)

Blue Jersey (Best Indian Rider): Harshveer Singh Sekhon (Bib 155, IND, India)