Wilier-Vittoria finishes second overall at the 2026 Cape Epic

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 to them.

It was also a valuable experience for Juri Zanotti, who, alongside Mathis Azzaro, effectively put himself at the service of Avondetto and Braidot in the final days, showing great commitment to the team. At the end of the final stage around Stellenbosch (58 km, 2,150 metres of elevation gain), Zanotti and Azzaro finished 11th overall.

“There’s definitely some bitterness, especially considering how things were shaping up,” said Avondetto. “But we had a great Cape Epic — that’s undeniable. Once again, we proved we can be highly competitive, and even if the win slipped away at the very end, we know we can come back and fight for it. And we will.”

“In the last two stages, unfortunately, I really suffered,” admitted Braidot. “After the queen stage that we won, I got sick — cough and a cold — I was completely blocked and drained. Yesterday was agony, I pushed myself to the limit to defend the jersey, but today I had nothing left. I was pushing, but my legs just wouldn’t respond. I feel sorry for the team and for Avondetto, but I truly gave everything I had. It’s one more reason to come back next year.”

A promise.