Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana complete the Absa Cape Epic 2025

Team Gaudos, consisting of Stephen Grima and Brandon Sultana, have successfully completed the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race, which took place last month.

Competing in the open category, this gruelling eight-day competition is renowned for pushing participants to their limits, covering over 600 kilometers with an elevation gain of 16,500 meters – truly no easy task.

In a historic achievement, Grima and Sultana became the first Maltese team taking part in this event to finish the Absa Cape Epic, placing 266th overall out of 743 teams.

Their determination and hard work paid off, with Grima receiving the coveted Cape Epic medal, making him the first Maltese to be recognized as an Epic Legend after completing the Andorra Epic and Swiss Epic in the past nine months.

His name is now displayed in the Hall of Fame of the Epic Series.

Sultana also earned his Cape Epic medal after finishing the Swiss Epic and is now looking forward to becoming the second Maltese Epic Legend.

After facing a challenging start in the prologue, Team Gaudos didn’t let the initial setback deter their spirits.

Instead, they focused on giving their best in the subsequent stages, ultimately finishing the race with a total time of 38 hours, 7 minutes, and 10 seconds.

The team faced extreme weather conditions, including scorching temperatures reaching 51°C in the mountains, torrential rain, challenging winds, and muddy trails. Their resilience and determination shone brightly as they tackled each challenge.

“Preparing for this race required not only physical readiness but also a strong mental strategy,” said Grima.

“Brandon and I worked hard to build our teamwork and understanding, which was essential to tackle each stage successfully.”

The race encompassed a diverse range of terrains and conditions, requiring participants to adapt quickly.

“Every stage presented its own challenges, but we remained focused on our goal of completing the race together,” added Sultana. “The experience of riding through South Africa’s stunning landscapes, despite the obstacles, was truly unforgettable.”

As they reflected on this experience, Grima and Sultana invited fellow mountain biking enthusiasts to embrace the challenge of the Absa Cape Epic.

“It’s not just a race, it’s about camaraderie, resilience, and pushing beyond your limits,” they emphasised.