The final stage of the Absa Cape Epic brought a mix of relief, emotion, and quiet triumph, as the 2026 edition of the race drew to a close in Stellenbosch. After days of punishing terrain, relentless climbing, and ever-changing conditions, the last kilometres offered a rare moment for reflection — and for many, celebration.
For Malta, it marked a significant achievement, with all three teams successfully reaching the finish line of one of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage races.
Team Gaudos (Stephen Grima / Brandon Sultana) once again capitalised on their Cape Epic experience, adopting a steady and measured approach that paid off across the week to secure another successful finish.
Reflecting on the final stage, Grima said: “Totally happy and satisfied to finish the final leg in good time — it was memorable to cross the line together with Epic Team Deloitte, as we had planned when we reached the final kilometres side by side.” He added that improved recovery after the Queen Stage allowed them to finish strongly, making several overtakes along the way. Despite another puncture for Sultana, it did not significantly impact their progress, allowing them to still finish strongly.
“It’s been a full week of racing — physically and mentally demanding — and the exhaustion really builds with the elevation and conditions, but we’re proud to have completed another Cape Epic,” he concluded.
Team Gaudos completed the race in 41:01:04.3, finishing 81st in the Open Men Category and 212th overall.
Epic Team Deloitte (Luke Borg / Mark Bonnici) capped off what can only be described as a highly successful debut campaign. Navigating illness, mechanical setbacks, and the sheer demands of the race, the duo showed resilience and composure throughout, growing into the event with each stage.
The final day still brought a moment of tension, as Bonnici suffered a crash. Fortunately, it did not significantly set the team back, and they remained composed to reach the finish — sharing the moment with Team Gaudos. Their final overall time of 40:00:52.1 secured 73rd place in the Open Men Category and 190th overall.
“This has been one of the toughest races we’ve ever taken on. There were moments when we genuinely felt like stopping, but our teamwork carried us through — we didn’t even need to speak to understand each other, we just kept pushing forward together.” – Luke Borg
For Team Kalamba Racing (Etienne Bonello / Marie Claire Aquilina), the finish line carried an added layer of meaning. After last year’s heartbreak, when injury forced an early retirement, this year’s completion represented closure, resilience, and redemption. Crossing the line was not just about finishing the race, but about overcoming adversity and returning stronger.
Despite nursing a torn ligament in her ankle , Aquilina dug deep through the final stage, with the pair showing determination and grit all the way to the line. “It was an amazing stage
today — we finished the race, and there are not enough words to express the joy. It was a tough climb, especially with the injury, but we pushed through the pain until the very end, staying focused and never underestimating the magnitude of each stage.”
They concluded their campaign with an impressive 19th place in the Mixed Category, posting a total time of 44:56:47.9.
“The Mixed Category was highly competitive, with many of the athletes a decade — if not two — younger than us. To finish 19th in such a field, at the world’s biggest MTB stage race, is something we can be truly proud of.” Said Bonello, signing off this year’s Cape Epic.
As the dust settles on the unforgettable Absa Cape Epic, the achievement of all three Maltese teams stands as a testament to determination, preparation, and the enduring spirit required to conquer this iconic race.
Epic Team Deloitte (Luke Borg & Mark Bonnici) is sponsored by Deloitte with additional support from Foster Clark Products, Akkura, Visit Malta with further support from , Nduranz, The Cyclist and Wheel Wizard.
Team Gaudos (Stephen Grima & Brandon Sultana) are supported by Extra Karte, Visit Malta, SG Woodworks Ltd, Raico, National Gypsum Limited Malta, Wurth Malta, Pitre Hardware, Lourdes Opticians, JV Pharma, A. Caruana Enterprises Ltd and Xlendi Supermarket.
Team Kalamba Racing (Etienne Bonello & Marie Claire Aquilina) are sponsored by Kalamba Games, with further support from Garmin and Visit Malta. Technical partners include 226ERS, Ascend Creative Studio, BBB Cycling, IDMatch Bikefit Lab, The Sports Medics, Tristar Travel, and Würth.
