Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026: Prize Distribution by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Third Stage Won by Cameron Scott; Luke Mudgwe Maintains Dominance on the Yellow Jersey

Pune, January 2026: The third stage of the ‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026’ proved to be the most challenging so far. Cyclists faced a major test of skill and endurance at the gateway to the Western Ghats. In this demanding third stage, Cameroon’s Nicolas Scott of China’s ‘Li Ning Star’ team emerged victorious, completing the 137-kilometer stage in 3 hours 4 minutes 13 seconds. Meanwhile, Luke Mudgwe retained his supremacy in the Yellow Jersey, keeping his overall lead intact.

The stage began at 12:30 PM from Chandan Tekdi under the Saswad Municipal Council. The race was officially flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar. Also present were Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, MLA Vijay Shivtare, former MLA Sanjay Jagtap, Mayor Anandi Jagtap, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and Secretary of Maharashtra Olympic Association Sanjay Shete. The start was accompanied by enthusiastic cheers of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji,” and “Ganpati Bappa Morya” from schoolchildren and citizens.

Cyclists then moved towards Baramati, approaching the finish line near Vidya Pratishthan Pencil Chowk, where the race intensified. For three hours, the athletes engaged in fierce competition, with Scott proving the fastest. In the final stretch, Scott surged ahead, leaving Giorgios Buglas of Spain’s Burgos BH team behind in second place (3h 4m 13s). Timothy Dupont of Belgium’s Tarteletto-Isorex team finished third (3h 4m 13s), while Zeb Kaifin of Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team secured fourth place. Luke, winner of the first two stages, placed sixth in this stage but earned the Green Jersey for Best Sprinter and retained the Yellow Jersey, remaining the overall leader. After three stages, Luke’s total time is 7 hours 36 minutes 10 seconds, just 14 seconds ahead of Thailand’s Carter Allen Bettles of Rujai Insurance Winspace.

Commenting on the stage, Cameron Scott said:
“This stage was tougher than expected. The initial two climbs were challenging, and riding against the wind was difficult, but I really enjoyed the twisting roads.”

Friday Marks the Final Stage

All eyes are now on the fourth stage, the Pune Pride Loop, a 95-kilometer route passing through Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada and modern city areas, from Balewadi to J.M. Road. While Luke retains the Yellow Jersey, the minimal time gaps among competitors promise a thrilling finale.

Key Jerseys and Winners:

• Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader): Luke Mudgwe
• Green Jersey (Best Sprinter): Giorgios Buglas (Burgos BH)
• Polka Dot Jersey (King of Mountains): Clément Aléno (Burgos BH)
• Orange Jersey (Best Asian Rider): Jambaljamts Sanbayar (Burgos BH)
• White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Vigo Tijsen (Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam)
• Blue Jersey (Best Indian Rider): Harshveer Singh Sekhon