Two Gozitan cyclists, Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana, competing under the Gaudos team name, recently took part in the Open category in the Absa Cape Epic 2025 in South Africa.

The race competition sees extreme conditions, and it is considered one of the most difficult and prestigious mountain biking races – often called the Tour de France of mountain biking.

This was an historic participation as the pair are the first Gozitan cyclists to ever take part in this race.

A competition spread over eight days of mountain biking covering more than 700km and 16,500 metres of elevation. These races included technical challenges, extreme physical stamina and very difficult climatic conditions.

The conditions during the race did not help the cyclists at all, as temperatures reached 51°C. The Absa Cape Epic is one of the toughest races in the world, where cyclists have to battle intense heat for a long distance. In total, around 730 teams took part, with around 200 teams not finishing the race.

The two cyclists successfully completed all eight stages on the final day of this mission. In addition, Stephen Grima became the first Maltese to achieve the title of Epic Legend, thus entering the Hall of Fame of the Epic Series – an international series that includes other races such as the Andorra Epic and the Swiss Epic.

Last year, Stephen embarked on this incredible journey after his coach, Peter Vesel, challenged him to do so. With weeks of intense preparation, he faced this monumental challenge, especially after overcoming a major injury in September 2023.

He began his Epic Series experience with the Andorra Epic, where he and his teammate Relvis Glavic from Croatia finished seventh out of 59 athletes in the Master 5 category over a distance with 6,400 meters of elevation in the Pyrenees.

Stephen Grima stated that this experience was not easy, and one requires mental and physical strength to be able to complete all eight stages. Grima added that they hope that their participation will inspire other Gozitan cyclists, and prove that with the right preparation and mindset, even cyclists from a small nation can take on some of the toughest mountain bike events out there.

Over the 8 days, they faced gruelling climbs, harsh temperatures, even rain, but they took on these incredible challenges with courage and determination.

Grima thanked their sponsors, S.G Woodworks Ltd; Visit Malta; Raico Ltd-electrical and mechanical contractors; Xlendi Mini Market; EthicSport and Bike2Bed for their incredible support in making this journey possible.

Photos: Joe Bajada

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