Malaysian road cycling outfits had their first real test of the year at the inaugural Pune Grand Tour in India, which wrapped up on Friday.

UCI Continental teams Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC), along with the national development squad, all featured in the five-day UCI 2.2 race.

TSG once again proved the standout Malaysian side, securing third place in the team general classification. They finished six minutes and 29 seconds off the winners Li Ning Star, with Burgos Burpellet BH taking second.

Individually, TSG’s Juan Pedro Lozano and new recruit Zeb Kyffin impressed with ninth and tenth overall, while Li Ning’s Luke Mudgway claimed the yellow jersey.

Kyffin also placed sixth in the sprinters’ standings, while fellow newcomer Fergus Browning made headlines by winning the opening prologue. Nur Aiman Rosli’s 15th place in that stage earned him the Asian Riders’ jersey.

MPC had their own bright spot as climber Syawal Mazlin finished eighth in the young riders’ classification. Team principal Sayuti Zahit said the race was a valuable early-season test, especially with debutants Iqbal Nawawi and Adam Afdzal gaining experience.

“This was our first time racing in India and it gave us a good chance to see where we stand,” said Sayuti. “The organisation was excellent, and the resurfaced roads made for a smooth race. It’s encouraging to start the season this way.”

TSG, with their deeper roster, have already split riders across multiple events, including the Tour of Sharjah and the upcoming Alula Tour in Saudi Arabia. MPC, meanwhile, will next line up at the Tour of Thailand in late March.