In a remarkable turn of events at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, Swiss cyclist Felix Stehli, riding a prototype Stoll bike equipped with 32-inch wheels, secured his first stage victory alongside South African teammate Marc Pritzen. This achievement not only highlights the potential of larger wheel sizes in mountain biking but also underscores the duo’s strategic prowess.
The Stage
The third stage of the race spanned 134 kilometers, predominantly featuring fast gravel tracks with consistent false flats and intermittent technical singletrack sections. Stehli and Pritzen broke away from a leading group that included several top contenders. Despite a brief pursuit by three other teams—Wout Alleman and Martin Stošek (Buff-BH), Sam Gaze and Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon), and Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria)—the Swiss-South African duo maintained their lead, finishing over a minute ahead of their closest rivals.
The Bike
Stehli’s choice of a 32-inch wheel prototype from Stoll was a bold move, as such wheel sizes are uncommon in professional mountain biking. The larger wheels provided enhanced stability and rolling efficiency, particularly beneficial on the extended gravel sections of the course. This victory serves as a compelling endorsement for the potential advantages of 32-inch wheels in specific race conditions.
The Teammates
Marc Pritzen, riding a standard 29-inch wheel setup, complemented Stehli’s performance with his own strategic acumen. Their collaboration was pivotal in executing a successful breakaway and maintaining a consistent pace throughout the stage. Both riders celebrated their first stage win at the Cape Epic, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
The Aftermath
The victory not only propelled Stehli and Pritzen into the spotlight but also sparked discussions about wheel size innovations in mountain biking. Their success has prompted teams and manufacturers to reconsider equipment choices, particularly for races featuring extensive gravel segments. As the Cape Epic continues, all eyes will be on the duo to see if they can maintain their momentum and challenge for the overall title.
This stage win is a testament to the evolving nature of mountain biking technology and strategy, highlighting how equipment choices can influence race outcomes.
Highlights:
- Riders to watch at Cape Epic 2026 – Mountain bike stars, gravel pros and Epic veterans form strong and open field for 700km challenge, Published on Friday, March 13
- Los títulos de la Absa Cape Epic, más abiertos que nunca, Published on Friday, March 13