Gozitan Duo Team Gaudos Set to Tackle 2026 Absa Cape Epic

Gozitan mountain bikers Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana, racing as Team Gaudos, are preparing to return to South Africa this March for the 2026 edition of the legendary Absa Cape Epic, one of the world’s most demanding mountain biking endurance races.

The pair made history in 2025 as the first Gozitan team to complete the Cape Epic, a landmark achievement for the cycling community in Malta and Gozo. Drawing on their experience from last year, they now aim to take on the gruelling challenge once more.

This year’s race kicks off on Sunday, 15 March, with a fast and technical prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. Riders will then face eight days of racing across South Africa’s Western Cape, tackling rugged landscapes, steep climbs, rocky trails, flowing singletrack, and scenic vineyard routes through Montagu, Greyton, and Stellenbosch.

“Completing the race last year was a huge personal achievement,” said Grima. “Returning gives us the chance to push ourselves even further.” Sultana added, “Last year taught us a lot about pacing, preparation, and teamwork. Experience is key in a race like the Cape Epic, and we hope to use that knowledge this year.”

For Grima, the Cape Epic is just the beginning. He aims to compete in the full Epic Series throughout 2026, which spans 25 stage races, 1,800 km, and 45,000 m of climbing, including events such as the 4Islands Epic in Croatia, the Andorra Epic, the Swiss Epic, and Wine 2 Whales in South Africa.

“Representing Gozo and Malta in races of this level is a huge honour,” said Sultana. “Events like the Cape Epic bring together riders from all over the world, and being part of that environment is an incredible experience.”

With months of training behind them, Team Gaudos is ready to take on another epic challenge on the international mountain biking stage.

#MaltaDaily