MERIDA at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic

The Absa Cape Epic is widely regarded as one of the most gruelling mountain bike stage races on the planet, attracting some of the world’s best teams to compete over eight days around the West Cape of South Africa.

We look back at some exciting and successful moments from the event, and this year, with the help of MERIDA Italy, MERIDA Nordic and MERIDA Czech Republic, two teams will be joining the action, aiming to make their mark on this epic event.

Representing MERIDA Italy and MERIDA Nordic is the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team, comprising Nicola Taffarel (Italy) and Eskil Evensen-Lie (Norway). This is the team's first Absa Cape Epic, but both riders have followed an intense, targeted training programme in preparation for this monumental event. Riding custom-built and painted NINETY-SIX frames equipped with Manitou suspension, Formula brakes, Tabros wheels and Pirelli tyres, the team is perfectly set up for the gruelling, almost 700 km long course that features more than 15,000 m of challenging climbs and demanding descents.

Starting off with a solid 17th position in the prologue and slowly climbing up the rankings by finishing 15th in stage one, the team is currently in 13th position after a strong performance in the 102 km long 2nd full stage of the event. A promising start, and we can’t wait to see where the team can take it from here.

To follow their progress, keep an eye on their Instagram feed: @metallurgicaveneta_proteam   

The 2nd team flying the MERIDA flag is the D2Mont MERIDA Team, supported by MERIDA Czech Republic. One of the most successful European marathon teams, the D2Mont MERIDA Team, has selected Hermann Pernsteiner from Austria and Filip Rydval from the Czech Republic as the ideal pair to take on the Epic. Also equipped with our super-efficient yet hugely trail-capable NINETY-SIX, a combination that is needed for the demanding tracks and trails that make up the 2026 route, they rely on FSA for cockpit and wheels, Tufo for fast-rolling tyres and Selle SMP for saddle comfort, just to mention a few of their partners.

Entering the race with ambitions to get into the top ten, a few crashes had a rather negative impact on the result in the prologue and the 1st stage. Finishing 24th and 19th, respectively, they had high hopes to finally get into the groove in the 2nd full stage of the event. Unfortunately, the bad luck continued with a damaged rim after hitting an obstacle on one of the descents, costing them almost an hour and, with that, their hopes of a top-ten finish. While their original plan is now out of reach, the team will continue their efforts and focus on strong stage results, especially in the tougher mountain stages, which suit the team well, rather than the overall classification.

To follow their progress, keep an eye on their Instagram feed: @d2mont_meridacyclingteam

We are very excited to see the two teams competing in the Epic. We will be closely following the race action over the next few days, sharing key moments on our social channels and reporting back at the end of the week.

Images provided by Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team and D2Mont MERIDA Team