MALTESE TEAMS BATTLE BRUTAL QUEEN STAGE AT ABSA CAPE EPIC

The Absa Cape Epic delivered one of its toughest tests yet with the Queen Stage, a brutal route from Greyton to Stellenbosch combining extreme distance and punishing elevation.

Among the Maltese teams, Team Gaudos (Stephen Grima / Brandon Sultana) were first across the line, producing a strong ride despite an early puncture and late nutrition issues. The duo maintained a solid rhythm throughout much of the stage, navigating its relentless terrain before digging deep to finish what is widely regarded as the race’s hardest day.

Epic Team Deloitte (Mark Bonnici / Luke Borg) endured a difficult outing, battling mechanical problems, a crash and harsh conditions. Borg described it as one of his toughest days on a bike, with delays and fatigue impacting their performance, especially in the closing kilometres.

Meanwhile, Team Kalamba Racing (Etienne Bonello / Marie Claire Aquilina) faced muddy trails, crashes and equipment issues, yet still completed the stage in over nine hours, securing a top-20 general classification position.

With two stages remaining, the race remains wide open.

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