With the gruelling Queen Stage behind them, riders at the Absa Cape Epic began the penultimate day with renewed focus and the finish line firmly in sight. After enduring one of the toughest tests of the race, Stage 6 in Stellenbosch offered a different — though still demanding — challenge.
Covering 76km with 2,450 metres of climbing, the route featured slightly less elevation than the previous day but remained far from easy. Sharp, punchy climbs continued to test tired legs, while flowing descents provided brief moments of recovery after the relentless efforts of earlier stages.
Epic Team Deloitte (Luke Borg and Mark Bonnici) responded strongly after a difficult Queen Stage, where minor mishaps and mechanical issues had slowed their progress. The cross-country nature of the course — with steep climbs, fast technical descents and constant undulations — suited their strengths, allowing them to deliver an impressive performance. They completed the stage in 4:58:01.6, climbing to a provisional 74th place overall in their category.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Bonnici highlighted a clear improvement in both morale and execution.
“After yesterday, our morale had taken a hit, but once we got going, we found our rhythm again. The climbs were more flowing and the course was fast — probably one of the quickest stages we’ve had. Managing our nutrition properly also made a big difference,” he said.
Team Gaudos (Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana) followed in 5:15:03.7, continuing their steady progress up the general classification, where they now sit provisionally 83rd. However, fatigue is increasingly becoming a factor, with limited recovery time impacting performance.
Their stage was further complicated by a fall from Sultana — fortunately without injury — though it caused damage to a brake lever. After a stop at the mechanical station, the pair were forced to continue for a stretch without full braking.
“Despite the setbacks, we’re satisfied to have completed another tough stage safely. Our focus now is on the final day, with the finish line — and that finisher’s medal — within reach,” Grima said.
Team Kalamba Racing (Etienne Bonello and Marie Claire Aquilina) continued their strong campaign, finishing the stage in 5:49:49.5 and moving up to an impressive 18th place overall — their best position of the race so far.
The duo remained upbeat at the finish, noting similarities to the previous day’s demanding climbs, particularly in the middle section of the course. However, they were able to increase their pace towards the end, capitalising on their consistency.
“The deeper we go into the race, the more consistent we’re becoming, while other teams are starting to fade. In the last 10 kilometres, we managed to push the pace,” Bonello said. “After yesterday’s brutal stage, spirits are high. Tomorrow, we want to give it everything and finish strong.”
With just one stage remaining, Maltese teams are now focused on closing out the race on a high. The final stage may be shorter at 58km, but with 2,150 metres of climbing and several steep ascents, it promises one last demanding test before the finish in Stellenbosch.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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