Top 10 debut at the Absa Cape Epic: Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team defies the odds to secure 9th overall
Beyond the obstacles: The Evensen-Lie–Taffarel duo overcomes health setbacks to claim a historic Top 10 finish in their first appearance at the world’s most grueling MTB stage race.
Stellenbosch (RSA), 23 March 2026 – The debut of the Metallurgica Veneta Professional Team at Absa Cape Epic has concluded with a standout performance. The duo of Norwegian Eskil Evensen-Lie and Italian Nicola Taffarel crossed the final finish line of the 2026 edition in 9th place overall, successfully smashing their Top 10 goal in what is universally recognized as the “Untamed” and toughest race on the planet.
This result was earned the hard way. The team’s journey to South Africa was nearly derailed by health issues for Taffarel, who was forced onto a course of antibiotics until just days before the start. Despite a compromised physical state and the very real risk of not starting at all, the team’s grit transformed a critical situation into a sporting triumph.
The Early Days: patience and damage control
The campaign opened with a brutal 20 Km Prologue in Durbanville, where searing heat immediately tested the field. The Metallurgica Veneta pair rode a steady opening time trial, finishing 17th, 2’ 29” off the specialist XC pace. As the race progressed, Taffarel’s form began to trend upward. The team executed a calculated climb up the General Classification (GC): 15th in Stage 1, 12th in Stage 2, and a strategic “management” day during the treacherous, mud-soaked 140 Km Stage 3 (23rd).
The Turning Point: masterclass in the Queen Stage
The momentum shifted during Stage 4 in Greyton, where smart teamwork and tactical positioning saw them knock on the door of the Top 10. However, Friday’s Queen Stage from Greyton to Stellenbosch was the team’s crowning moment. Over 134 Km and 2,750m of elevation gain in wet, muddy conditions, the duo became protagonists of the race. They featured in the live global broadcast for over two hours, with Taffarel even leading the elite group alongside world-class talent like Samuel Gaze. A stellar 6th place finish on the stage signaled a total physical and mental resurgence.
The Grand Finale: tactical maturity
During Stage 6 – the edition’s most vertical day with 2,450m of climbing over 76 Km—Evensen-Lie and Taffarel rode with intelligence to defend their 10th place in the GC. On the final day, a fast 58 Km loop around Stellenbosch, the Italo-Norwegian pair finished 8th on the stage, successfully consolidating their 9th position in the final General Classification.
Quotes from the Team
Eskil Evensen-Lie: “I think we had seven really solid days on South African soil. We showed great pace in several stages and exceeded our initial expectations given the circumstances. We faced some challenges mid-race, but we managed them perfectly. We’ve learned so much—about the equipment, nutrition, heat management, and navigating complex race situations. ‘Taffa’ and I can be proud of what we achieved. We’re taking this massive experience forward to return even stronger in the coming years.”
Nicola Taffarel: “We hit the goal we set for ourselves: the Top 10. I’m incredibly happy, especially considering how this journey started. My health was far from 100%, and I arrived here still on antibiotics. But day by day, the feeling improved. Bagging two Top 10 stage finishes makes me very proud. Sometimes you have to go through the dark moments to reach the top; it makes the result even sweeter. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me through the tough days to get here.”
Martino Tronconi (Team Manager): “It certainly wasn’t the start we envisioned. Just seven days out, we weren’t even sure we’d make it to South Africa because of Nicola’s flu relapse. He was off the bike for days on antibiotics. That said, our determination never wavered. To finish in the Top 10 at the most important race in the world, against the strongest teams on the planet, is a massive milestone. We will definitely be back to be even greater protagonists. Our technical equipment performed flawlessly – every component and partner was put to the ultimate test and passed with flying colors.”
Stage-by-Stage Recap:
Prologue: P17
Stage 1: P15
Stage 2: P12
Stage 3: P23
Stage 4: P11
Stage 5: P6
Stage 6: P13
Stage 7: P8
Final General Classification: 9th Place
Photo credits – Filippo Cantoni
