A Cape Epic retrospective - the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team interview

In the second interview of our ABSA Cape Epic team interview series, we sit down with Nicola Taffarel (Italy) and Eskil Evensen-Lie (Norway) of the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team supported by MERIDA Italy and MERIDA Nordic to see how they prepared for their impressive top ten finish.

With a bit more luck than the D2Mont MERIDA team and some strong performances — including stage results of 6th and 8th place — Nicola and Eskil's Cape Epic training plan paid off, and their reliable NINETY-SIX race bikes performed flawlessly throughout the eight gruelling days of this year's event.

When we virtually sat down with Nicola and Eskil, we started by looking into their preparation for this event and how it differed from their usual pre-season training when no eight-day stage race is on the cards.

Nicola: To prepare for this year’s ABSA Cape Epic, we followed a very specific programme focused on stage racing. Compared to our usual season, we increased the training volume and included consecutive training blocks to simulate the accumulation of fatigue day after day. We also worked a lot on recovery and heat adaptation, which are crucial for a race like this.

What were your goals for the race?
Eskil: Our goals were to learn as much as possible. We considered what and when to eat, how to prepare the equipment, and how to handle the different conditions. During the early stages, we realised that our goal of finishing in the top 10 was within reach, so we maintained our focus and managed to finish 9th in the general classification, as well as securing a 6th and 8th place in the individual stage results.

How did the week go for you? What went well and what didn’t?
Nicola: The week went very well. We were consistent throughout the race, achieving a 6th and an 8th place in stages and finishing 9th overall. We managed our energy well, which was key in such a demanding race. Of course, there were some tough moments, but that’s all part of the game.
Eskil: During race week, I focused on handling the race in the best possible way. The first stages involved more rocky and rough terrain, so punctures were a real possibility. I tried to ride more cautiously in the technical sections to avoid mechanical issues. Afterwards, we could see that we had a very good tyre sealant, as we only needed to stop and refill with air three times during the week. The South African heat is very intense, so it would have been better to have had a few days to acclimatise before the first stage.

What did you find most impressive about the event beyond the race itself? Did you enjoy the overall experience?
Nicola: What impressed us the most was the incredible organisation and the unique atmosphere. The routes, landscapes, and crowds make this event something special. It’s an experience that goes far beyond just racing. Overall, we really enjoyed it.

Will you be returning to the event next year?
Eskil & Nicola: Yes, we would definitely like to come back next year. It’s one of the most complete and challenging events on the calendar. Our goal would be to compete at the sharp end of the GC once again and bring home some more great memories from this beautiful race.

You used the NINETY-SIX during the event. What changes did you make to the bike? How did it perform?
Nicola & Eskil: Yes, we used the NINETY-SIX during the event, paying close attention to every detail in order to adapt it to the race conditions, from the suspension setup to the choice of Pirelli tyres. The bike performed flawlessly throughout the week, enabling us to remain competitive on all types of terrain. In particular, the sorted geometry was ideal for controlling the bike on technical terrain, while also making it super comfortable to ride over the long distances. The fact that we could fit two large bottles into the frame was also crucial in the South African heat.

What other MERIDA bikes do you own?
Nicola: As for other MERIDA bikes, I use the SCULTURA for road riding and the MISSION for gravel, while the NINETY-SIX is my go-to bike for racing and training.
Eskil: This year, I will use the new MISSION for gravel racing alongside the NINETY-SIX model. I’m lucky to have a Merida Nordic dealer in my city, and I’ll try to test some of the other Merida models this year.

Which main events are you focusing on this season?
Nicola: I’m mainly focusing on the most important marathon races this season, especially the World Cups and Epic Series events, as well as some rounds of the UCI Gravel World Series.
Eskil: My focus will be on the World Cup, the European Championships and the World Championships in XCM. I’m also doing some gravel racing this year, and I’m really looking forward to trying something new.

Do you have any advice for riders who want to become stage race or marathon racers?
Nicola: For anyone who wants to become a stage or marathon racer, consistency is key. It’s important to build a solid foundation, pay attention to nutrition and recovery, and gain experience race after race. In stage races, it’s also important to manage your effort and avoid overexerting yourself in the early stages.
Eskil: For marathon racing, I would recommend finding a bike suited to the events you want to participate in. I would recommend a full-suspension bike with the option to carry two water bottles and lock out the suspension from the handlebars. Consider the suspension settings and choose the correct chainring to have the right gear for the flat sections without being too heavy in the climbs. You will have some long days in marathon and stage racing, so if you prepare well with fuelling and carbohydrate loading, then you will enjoy it even more. The most important thing is to enjoy life on two wheels — cycling is a great way to experience places around the world!

We would also like to thank Nicola and Eskil for their time and effort, and congratulate them once again on their impressive achievement of finishing 9th in the highly competitive Elite category at the 2026 ABSA Cape Epic. 

With the season only just beginning, we will be keeping a close eye on our MERIDA-powered MTB talent to see how they fare in their key MTB and gravel events around the world.

Follow the team on Instagram @metallurgicaveneta_proteam to keep up to date with their race results, schedule and achievements.