Cyclist Luke Mudgway Wins 2 Straight Stages in India

A New Zealand cyclist just proved that teamwork and determination can conquer even the toughest mountains in India.

Luke Mudgway captured his second consecutive stage victory at the Pune Grand Tour on Wednesday, tackling the competition's most challenging route. The 105-kilometer Maratha Heritage Circuit pushed riders through steep climbs including the demanding Bopdev ghat.

Mudgway, representing the Li Ning Star team from China, crossed the finish line with five other riders in an incredibly tight race. All six cyclists clocked identical times of 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 49 seconds, making the final rankings come down to a photo finish.

"It was really tough today," Mudgway told reporters after his win. "My teammates rode amazing."

The crucial moments came in the final 10 kilometers after the major climb. While competing teams launched repeated attacks trying to break Mudgway's lead, his teammate stayed with him and helped pace him to the finish line.

The victory earned Mudgway a 10-second time bonus, extending his lead in the overall standings. Alan Carter Bettles from Thailand's Roojai Insurance Winspeed team finished second, while Belgium's Yorben Lauryssen claimed third place for the second day running.

The Ripple Effect

The Pune Grand Tour brings together cyclists from across the globe, showcasing India as a premier destination for international sporting events. Teams from China, Thailand, Belgium, Spain, Guam, and the Netherlands competed alongside Indian riders, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and athletic inspiration.

Indian rider Sarda Manav earned the blue jersey as India's leading performer, demonstrating the growing strength of the country's domestic cycling talent. Dutch rider Tijssen Viego took home the white jersey as best young rider, highlighting how the competition nurtures emerging athletes.

Thursday's third stage promises even more excitement, with a 134-kilometer route from Purandar to Baramati climbing to over 1,000 meters elevation. But Mudgway has already shown that with strong teammates and stronger determination, any mountain can be conquered.