In March 2025, Maltese cyclists Etienne Bonello and Marie Claire Aquilina are set to write local cycling history as they prepare to take on the highly rated Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa.

This exhilarating and gruelling eight-day stage race, often referred to as the Tour de France of mountain biking, is renowned for its extreme terrain and demanding physical challenges. Bonello and Aquilina will compete in the Mixed category, where teams consist of one male and one female rider, adding another level of strategic collaboration to the competition.

Trailblasing Mountain Bikers

Both Bonello and Aquilina are household names within the Maltese sporting community, renowned for their years of high-level competitive experience.

Bonello has been a cornerstone of Maltese cycling for over two decades, securing numerous national titles and making his mark in international competitions.

Aquilina, meanwhile, has been a dominant force in women’s cycling in Malta, claiming multiple national championships and consistently delivering strong performances and podium spots on the international stage.

Preparation: Mediterranean Epic in Spain

Preparing for such a monumental race has seen the duo undergo rigorous training and ongoing exposure to high-level competition, which is why they competed in the Mediterranean Epic, held in February 2025 in Oropesa del Mar – Castellón, Spain.

This four-day UCI mountain bike stage race is considered one of the toughest pre-season tests for elite riders, featuring technical trails, steep climbs, and varied terrain. Competing against top international mountain bikers, Bonello and Aquilina used the event as a key stepping stone toward their Cape Epic goal, enabling them to further fine-tune their riding techniques, improve their team coordination, and test their race strategy under real competitive conditions. Facing world-class opposition, they gained valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement, all crucial for the challenges that await them in South Africa.

The Ultimate Challenge: The Absa Cape Epic

The Absa Cape Epic is the world’s premier multi-stage mountain bike race, spanning eight days, covering approximately 608 kilometers, and featuring an astounding 16,500 meters of climbing across South Africa’s Western Cape, through a mix of private farmlands, rugged trails, and world-renowned wine estates, offering breathtaking views and relentless challenges. Each day riders cover a different stage, journeying from one estate to another. The experience is not just about racing—it is a nomadic adventure, as riders camp each night in race villages, embracing an off-the-grid, communal lifestyle. It is a true test of endurance, skill, and mental resilience.

Riders must race in two-person teams and remain within two minutes of each other at all times. This unique format requires excellent teamwork, mutual support, and strategic decision-making. The Mixed category, in which Bonello and Aquilina will compete, adds another dimension, as it requires a well-balanced approach to pacing and energy management.

“Our years of competitive cycling experience, along with our recent participation in the Mediterranean Epic, will be invaluable as we take on the extreme challenges of the Cape Epic. The race features diverse terrain, from rugged mountain trails to technical descents and energy-draining climbs, demanding both skill and endurance.” Commented Bonello.

A Milestone for Maltese Cycling

Bonello and Aquilina’s participation in the Cape Epic is more than a personal challenge—it promises to be a historic moment for Maltese mountain biking as their journey demonstrates the ability of local athletes to step up and compete on the world stage.

Bonello and Aquilina’s journey to the Cape Epic has been made possible with the support of various organisations that share their passion for cycling and endurance sports, amongst which are Meerendal Wine Estate, Kalamba Games, Garmin, BBB Cycling, The Sports Medics, Go&Fun, Visit Malta. Their participation is also backed by the invaluable assistance of the Maltese Olympic Committee and SportMalta and the support of the Malta Cycling Federation.

“We hope that our participation will inspire other Maltese cyclists, proving that with the right preparation and mindset, even riders from a small nation can take on some of the toughest mountain biking events out there,” Concluded Aquilina.