Kazakhstan cyclist Pannasenko Nikita wins Tour de India

Cyclist Pannasenko Nikita of Kazakhstan managed to edge past German Plarre Matthias in a photo-finish to win the final leg of the Tour de India at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, also emerging the overall winner with 16 points.

Cyclist Pannasenko Nikita of Kazakhstan managed to edge past German Plarre Matthias in a photo-finish to win the final leg of the Tour de India at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, also emerging the overall winner with 16 points.

Paanassenko-Nikita-of-Kazakistan-with-16-pts-1st-place-Plarre-Matthias-of-Germany-with-10pts-2nd-place-and-lmansoori-Ahmed-of-UAE-with-10pts-3rd-place-pose-for-a-group-photo-after-winning-Godrej-Eon-Tour-de-India-Hindustan-Hindi-Atul-Modi

Nikita finished the 25 lap race on the Formula 1 circuit milliseconds ahead of second placed Matthias in 2:57.18 while Akparov Abdullo of Uzbekistan finished third 35 seconds behind.

Matthias also finished second overall with 10 points while third Almansoori Ahmeed of UAE. finished third in the standings.

Jeetha Ram was the top Indian, clocking 2:57.53 helping him to finish third in the overall table.

Arvind Panwar finished second in the race to clinch the top spot in the standings with 16 points to be the best amongst Indians.

Surpreet Singh came third in the race to finish second overall with 14 points.

The prize money for the race was Rs. 15 lakh ($35,000).

The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) approved event saw 80 international riders from 54 nationalities taking part in the 128 km race.

The first and second leg of the Tour de India was held in Mumbai and Srinagar.