13 Mar Press Release Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team 2026
Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team’s African dream: debuting at the Absa Cape Epic
The Italian squad makes its first-ever appearance at the world’s most grueling stage race. In Cape Town, Eskil Evensen-Lie and Nicola Taffarel will tackle 8 days of racing aboard custom-liveried Merida bikes, wearing a dedicated RVNG kit amd the ISB Sport bearings.
12 March 2026, Marradi (ITA) – Emotion, adrenaline, and the magic of an unparalleled adventure: these are the feelings surrounding Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team’s debut at the legendary Absa Cape Epic, the most prestigious and demanding mountain bike stage race on the planet.
For Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team, participating in the 2026 edition is a milestone – a unique experience destined to leave a lasting mark on the young team’s trajectory. The Cape Epic, now in its 22nd edition, is notorious for its relentless brutality. For the Italian outfit, this is a leap into the unknown, a totalizing challenge approached with deep respect and humility, but also with the confidence of meticulous preparation. It will be a definitive litmus test for riders Eskil Evensen-Lie and Nicola Taffarel, who recently secured a solid stage podium at the Andalucía Bike Race.
A legendary route
The 2026 edition promises to be extremely competitive and selective. The numbers released by the organizers speak for themselves: 692 kilometers and 15,900 meters of vertical gain, characterized by choking dust, scorching heat, and breathtaking vistas. Starting on March 15th from Meerendal, the route will traverse the rugged Klein Karoo region, passing through Montagu and Greyton, before the grand finale on March 22nd in the heart of Stellenbosch. The riders will have to survive the dreaded “Queen Stage,” featuring a punishing 2,700 meters of climbing.
Custom Merida setups: aesthetics meet Performance
To conquer the South African trails and technical singletracks, the team has prepared two Merida Ninety-Six bikes with obsessive attention to detail. The bikes feature a bespoke “Cape Epic” livery: a refined pearl white finish with subtle light gray veining – a marbled effect that adds depth and character to the frame. This elegant, modern design is engineered to stand out against the red dust and vibrant colors of the South African landscape.
The design language extends to the TABROS MP RS wheels, featuring oversized white logos on the rims and golden accents that harmonize with the frame, creating a distinctive aesthetic specifically curated for this African campaign.
The RVNG Lab jersey: ultra-lightweight & local inspiration
The technical apparel also pays homage to the host territory. RVNG LAB has developed a special edition jersey that maintains the team’s signature colors while introducing a graphic pattern inspired by African patchwork. The design blends irregular geometric textures, stylized tribal motifs, and animalier hints with “sand yellow” tones that evoke the earth of the Western Cape.
Beyond style, innovation leads the way. The jersey is purpose-built for the extreme South African heat: ultra-lightweight, featuring a zipperless front design, and constructed from highly breathable fabrics to ensure maximum thermoregulation and comfort during the race’s longest, most grueling stages.
Number 11: jonoring the debut
With race number 11, the Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team duo is motivated to take the race day by day, focusing on fatigue management and durability in a race that offers no second chances.
Participating in the Cape Epic is more than just a race for Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team; it is a symbol of growth made possible by the unwavering support of main sponsor Metallurgica Veneta, alongside Merida, TABROS, Revenge and all technical partners who have championed this international project.
Team Manager Martino Tronconi commented: “For anyone in the mountain bike world, March is synonymous with the Cape Epic. It’s an iconic event, the ‘Tour de France’ of mountain biking. Being here is a point of immense pride. We have worked tirelessly to arrive ready – not just from an athletic standpoint, but also in terms of logistics and communication. The Cape Epic offers an extraordinary global stage, providing vital international visibility. We want to maximize this experience as a storytelling and promotional opportunity for the brands that support us. We are thrilled to be at the start line and will face this challenge with determination and respect.”