Pune | January 212026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Pune Grand Tour 2026:
Luke Mudgway of Li Ning Star (China) continued his commanding run at the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, winning Stage Two – the Maratha Heritage Circuit, and retaining the coveted Yellow Jersey after a gruelling contest on Wednesday.
The 105.3-kilometre stage, which wound through the historic and punishing terrain of Pune district, proved to be a severe test of endurance, teamwork, and tactical discipline. Featuring steep climbs, narrow descents, and relentless heat, the stage lived up to its billing as one of the race’s most demanding early challenges.
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A Brutal Route Through Heritage and Hills
Starting from the Ladies Club in Camp at 12:30 pm and finishing along Sinhagad Road at Nanded City, the Maratha Heritage Circuit took the peloton deep into a landscape shaped by ancient forts and unforgiving gradients.
From the opening kilometres, teams battled for control as the terrain steadily drained energy from the riders. The combination of heat and constant climbing turned the stage into a survival test long before the finish line came into sight.
Mudgway Makes It Two in a Row
At the end of another relentless afternoon, it was once again Mudgway who emerged strongest. Clocking 02:31:49, the Li Ning Star rider secured his second consecutive stage victory, having already claimed Stage One.
Thailand’s Alan Carter Bettles of Roojai Insurance Winspeed finished second, while Yorben Lauryssen of Tarteletto-Isorex (Belgium) claimed third, marking his second successive podium finish of the race.
Mudgway earned a 10-second time bonus, Bettles six seconds, and Lauryssen four seconds. Remarkably, the top six riders finished with the same time, with final rankings decided by a photo finish.
Teamwork and Tactics Key to Victory
Speaking after the finish, Mudgway credited his team for executing the race plan under difficult circumstances.
“It was a hot day, lots of mountains, but yeah, I survived to the finish and got to sprint from a small group. That suits me well,” Mudgway said.
Despite starting the stage with just five riders, his teammates worked tirelessly to control attacks and position their leader for the decisive moments.
Queen Stage Decided on Final Climb
The defining moment came on the final second-category climb, the steepest of the day. A flurry of attacks thinned the field before a fast, narrow, and highly technical descent led directly into the finish.
It was here that Mudgway once again asserted his authority, confirming his status as the rider to beat in this year’s race.
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Jersey Updates After Stage Two
While Mudgway retained the Yellow Jersey, other classifications saw changes:
• Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Stefan Benett (Eurocyclingtrips–CCN, Guam)
• Orange Jersey (Best Asian Rider): Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Burgos Burpellet BH, Spain)
• White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Tijssen Viego (Netherlands)
• Blue Jersey (India’s Leading Performer): Sarda Manav (Indian Development Team)
Stage Three Looms Large
The race now heads into its longest stage — Stage Three: Western Ghats Gateway, a 134-kilometre route from Purandar to Baramati, climbing to 1,024 metres. Rolling terrain, exposed roads, and crosswinds could yet reshape the general classification.
After two days of attrition, one thing is certain: the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is demanding far more than speed alone — and for now, Luke Mudgway is answering every challenge.
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