Maltese endurance cyclists Etienne Bonello and Marie Claire Aquilina, competing as Team Kalamba Racing, will return to South Africa this March to take on the Absa Cape Epic, determined to complete the prestigious mountain bike race together after last year’s dramatic setback.
Often referred to as the “Tour de France of mountain biking,” the Absa Cape Epic is an eight-day stage race held annually in South Africa’s Western Cape. The event takes riders across rugged mountains, remote valleys and highly technical trails, testing not only physical endurance but also teamwork, resilience and mental strength in often extreme weather conditions.
Riders compete in two-person teams, making partnership a key element of the race. For Bonello and Aquilina, that team dynamic is precisely what has motivated them to return to the starting line.
Their 2025 campaign was cut short during the second stage when Aquilina was involved in a crash that resulted in a fractured sacral bone. Despite the injury, she initially attempted to continue racing, pushing through the pain at a reduced pace. However, the seriousness of the injury forced her to withdraw on the fourth stage, leaving Bonello to complete the remaining stages on his own.
Although Bonello managed to finish the race solo, the experience left the pair determined to come back and finish the challenge together.
“This race demands everything from you,” Aquilina said. “Last year was incredibly tough because after preparing so much, I had to withdraw following the crash. It was devastating. This time we’re back to face that challenge again and reach the finish line together.”
For Bonello, the decision to return was immediate.
“Completing the race without Marie Claire was bittersweet,” he explained. “The Cape Epic is meant to be raced as a team. As soon as I crossed the final finish line, we both knew we wanted to come back and do it properly together.”
The 2026 Absa Cape Epic, which starts on 15 March, will cover approximately 707 kilometres with nearly 15,900 metres of climbing across the Western Cape.
The race begins with a fast prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate, before riders face demanding climbs and technical terrain around Montagu. Stage three, stretching 134km from Montagu to Greyton, is the longest of the race and will push riders across vast and exposed landscapes.
One of the most anticipated days is Stage 5, known as the Queen Stage, widely regarded as one of the toughest stages in recent editions. Starting in Greyton and finishing in Stellenbosch, riders must tackle long distances and punishing climbs across some of South Africa’s most renowned mountain bike trails.
Weather conditions can also play a decisive role. Temperatures have previously soared to 47°C, while heavy rain can turn trails into thick mud, making every stage unpredictable and physically draining.
Providing backup support to Team Kalamba Racing will be Christian Mangion.
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.
“Cape Epic pushes you to your absolute limits — physically, mentally and even mechanically in terms of what your bike can handle,” Bonello said. “Quite simply, it is one of the toughest challenges in mountain biking.”
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply