Wilier-Vittoria secured second place overall at the 2026 Cape Epic . No point in hiding it — this result hurts more than last year’s, especially considering that Simone Avondetto and Luca Braidot were still wearing the yellow jersey going into the final stage. In the end, South Africans Matthew Beers and Tristan Nortje managed to find that extra bit of energy in the closing stages to overturn the standings (and reclaim the lead), proving just how strong they are. Chapeau

They had come close day after day — and today it finally happened. Simone Avondetto and Luca Braidot seized the perfect moment to break through, claiming victory in the queen stage of the 2026 Cape Epic while wearing the yellow jersey. After 134 km and 2,750 metres of elevation gain, the Wilier-Vittoria duo crossed the line with arms raised, dropping all their rivals in the finale. It wasn’t a straightforward day, though. A difficult start forced them into an early chase, and

Consistency continues to be a key strength for the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team . At the end of Stage 4 of the 2026 Cape Epic — 87 km and 1,750 metres of elevation gain around Greyton — Simone Avondetto and Luca Braidot once again finished second . It marks their fourth runner-up finish in five race days , all decided in sprint finishes and without conceding any time to the winners. The stage was won by Samuel Gaze and Luca Schwarzbauer , but the Wilier-Vittoria duo c