Maltese endurance cyclists Etienne Bonello and Marie Claire Aquilina will return to South Africa in March to compete in the Absa Cape Epic as Team Kalamba Racing.
The pair are aiming to complete the race together after their previous attempt ended early due to injury.
The Absa Cape Epic is an annual mountain bike stage race held in the Western Cape region of South Africa. The eight day competition covers challenging terrain that includes mountain trails, remote valleys and long climbs. Riders compete in two person teams, which makes cooperation and coordination essential throughout the race.
Bonello and Aquilina took part in the event in 2025, but their campaign was interrupted during the second stage when Aquilina was involved in a crash. The accident resulted in a fracture to her sacral bone.
Despite the injury, Aquilina initially attempted to continue the race. However, the extent of the injury later forced her to withdraw on the fourth day of the competition. Bonello completed the remaining stages on his own.
The experience led both cyclists to decide to return to the event.
“This race demands everything from you,” Aquilina said. “Last year was difficult because we prepared extensively but I had to retire from the race after the crash. Now we want to return and finish the race together.”
Bonello said completing the event alone last year reinforced the importance of racing as a team.
“The Cape Epic is designed to be raced as a team. When I crossed the final finish line last year we both agreed we wanted to return and take on the challenge again,” he said.
The 2026 edition of the Absa Cape Epic begins on 15 March. The route will cover approximately 707 kilometres with around 15,900 metres of climbing across the Western Cape.
The race will start with a prologue stage at Meerendal Wine Estate. Riders will then face multiple stages across different regions including Montagu, Greyton and Stellenbosch.
Stage three of the race will cover 134 kilometres from Montagu to Greyton and is expected to be the longest stage of the event. Stage five is considered the most demanding stage and includes extended distances and significant climbing.
Weather conditions can also affect the race, with temperatures in the region sometimes exceeding 47 degrees Celsius or changing to wet conditions that affect trail surfaces.
Team Kalamba Racing will receive support from Christian Mangion during the event.
Bonello and Aquilina are sponsored by Kalamba Games with additional support from Garmin and Visit Malta. Their technical partners include 226ERS, Ascend Creative Studio, BBB Cycling, IDMatch Bikefit Lab, The Sports Medics, Tristar Travel and Würth.
Bonello said the race remains one of the most demanding events in mountain biking.
“The Cape Epic pushes you physically and mentally and also tests the equipment used by riders,” he said.
