Stage 2 of the Absa Cape Epic proved to be one of the toughest challenges so far, as riders tackled a demanding 102km route with 2,250 metres of elevation gain on day three of the race.
The opening 40 kilometres were particularly punishing, featuring a relentless series of steep climbs that tested endurance early on. Riders were granted only a slight reprieve after the 50km mark, with a more forgiving run toward the finish following the intense opening phase.
Epic Team Deloitte (Mark Bonnici and Luke Borg) once again led the Maltese contingent, crossing the finish line in 5:55:19.8. Their effort was especially impressive given that both riders were dealing with a stomach bug, which disrupted their nutrition and added another layer of difficulty to what has been the longest stage so far.
Weather conditions added to the challenge, with riders facing a mix of heat and rain. Combined with the rugged terrain, this led to multiple punctures and mechanical issues across the field.
Reflecting on the stage, Luke Borg described it as “the hardest race I’ve done,” revealing that both riders had even considered withdrawing within the first 30 kilometres, by which point they had already climbed nearly 1,000 metres.
“Under the circumstances, just finishing today is a big achievement for us,” Borg said. “Tomorrow is another day, and we’re hoping to recover well so we can start fully recharged.”
Team Kalamba Racing (Etienne Bonello and Marie Claire Aquilina) delivered a composed and strategic performance, finishing in 6:06:10.2 and climbing to 21st place in their category. After adopting a conservative pace early on, the duo increased their tempo after the first major climb — a move that paid dividends.
Bonello highlighted the team’s strong coordination: “I was pushing on the flats while Marie Claire led on the climbs. The downhills are her territory — she’s incredibly talented and fearless. She was outstanding towards the end, attacking in the final technical section to drop a rival team — and that’s after nearly six hours in the saddle.”
Team Gaudos (Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana) followed closely in 6:06:54.1. Despite a solid ride that had them on course for a strong finish, a puncture in the final 30 kilometres disrupted their momentum, forcing multiple stops and costing valuable time.
“Although our progress was affected towards the end, we’re still pleased with the outcome,” said Grima. “The scenery was stunning, and while the climbs were steep, they were manageable, allowing us to maintain a consistent pace throughout.”
Attention now turns to the next stage — the longest of the race — with a 140km route and 1,750 metres of climbing. Riders will leave Montagu and head towards Greyton, where trails wind through ridgelines and rolling hills, offering a mix of demanding climbs, fast descents and spectacular scenery.
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