Epic Mountain Bike Racing on the Islands of Croatia

Most Mountain Bike Action readers have heard of the Absa Cape Epic, which is held in South Africa each year, but the 4Islands Epic, which takes place on  four of the islands of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea (located off the eastern coastline of Italy) is a different matter. It’s another part of the Epic series, but it’s not nearly as well known yet.

This year’s  4Islands Epic is now underway, and we wanted to share some of the photos from the event along with some of the news and information about the race.

Here’s the official news from the race:

Defending Champions Make Changes Ahead of Return to the 4Islands Epic

Synopsis:

The second stop in the 2026 Epic Series brings the world of mountain bike stage racing to

Croatia’s Kvarner Islands for the 4Islands Epic. From the 14th to the 18th of April, the islands of

Krk, Cres, Unije, and Lošinj host 300 kilometres of spectacular, diverse, and challenging

kilometres of racing, with 6 500 metres of accumulated elevation gain. The reigning champions,

Buff BH and Massi ISB sport return with the goal of defending their titles in the eleventh edition

but have both made adjustments to their line-ups.

On the 14th of April 2026, the 4Islands Epic got underway on Krk with the first of two

marathon stages before the race begins its island-hopping journey to Cres, Unije, and Lošinj. On

the start line, the defending champions, Massi ISB Sport, headline a competitive elite women’s

field, but the long-time partnership of Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas has been

disrupted, with Epic Legend Costanza Fasolis filling in for the Dutch/Spanish dual national. In

the men’s race, Hans Becking’s slot alongside Wout Alleman has been filled by Czech champion

Martin Stošek. This means Buff BH brings their Absa Cape Epic team to Croatia. They will face

fierce competition from Klimatiza Orbea, Singer KTM, Metallurgica Veneta MTB, and Orbea

Speed Company, amongst others.

In previous years, the 4Ilsand Epic began with a Prologue time trial. This year, the time trial

moves to Stage 4, on Unije. Krk hosts the start of the race with a 68-kilometre Stage 1, which

features 1 500 metres of climbing, followed by an 85-kilometre-long Stage 2, with 1 850 metres

of accumulated ascent. Both Stage 1 and 2 start and finish in the port town of Baška. Stage 3,

on Cres, is arguably the toughest of the race as it features 22.98 metres of climbing per

kilometre over the 83-kilometre course. The time trial on the island of Unije is just 23 kilometres

long and includes 350 metres of climbing. This will make it a full gas effort, where the strongest

teams in the race will likely prevail. A 42-kilometre final day on Lošinj brings the race to its

conclusion. Two steep climbs near the mid-point of Stage 5 will probably provide the final

opportunity to make up general classification positions.

Historically, the rocky nature of the riding on the Kvarner Islands has meant that punctures and

mechanicals have played their part in determining the eventual champions. Or at the very least,

have eliminated potential winners from the reckoning. As was the case for Axel Roudil-Cortinat

when he broke a rim and lost 25 minutes on the Prologue in 2024. The risks of descending at full

speed are thus well known, but often the racing situation demands the abandonment of

caution.

Calderon knows that establishing an early lead is the safest way to race in the Epic Series. The

Colombian and her Italian teammate, Fasolis, will look to execute the strategy that served Massi

ISB Sport so well in the Adriatic in 2025. That is easier said than done, however.

KTM Spada Brenta Brakes’ Anna Weinbeer and Tanja Priller, as well as Maria Zarantonello and

Chrystelle Baumann, of Metallurgica Veneta MTB, are the pre-race favourites’ most highly

ranked rivals. Yet, following their African battles in March, Katazina Sosna-Pinelė and Giorgia

Marchet are probably more likely to challenge for the title. The power style of racing, with

shorter, more punchy climbs, should suit the Lithuanian Champion in particular.

Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet will also gain Epic Legend status if they finish the 2026 4Islands Epic,

as they have already notched up SPAR Swiss Epic and Absa Cape Epic finishers’ medals.

Upsetting the defending champions to win in Croatia will be extra special for the Torpado Kenda

FSA pair, as they have yet to win the general classification at an Epic Series race. Doing so while

being confirmed as Epic Legends would be doubly significant.

Beyond the contenders for victory, Terese Andersson and Hildegunn Gjertrud Hovdenak, of

Sweden, will likely be up against Australians Ella Bloor and Holly Harris in the battle for fifth

overall. The Moldeck Lindgren Racing, MAAP SRAM AUS and MTB LADIES by R-Suspension Ft.

Reindl-Gartner pairings could, however, upset the more highly ranked squads, if luck plays in

their favour and mechanicals or punctures derail one or more of the European Marathon racing

specialists.

In the elite men’s competition, Buff BH certainly will not have it all their own way. Marc

Stutzmann and Samuele Porro are highly experienced campaigners and will be motivated to add

the 4Islands Epic title to the team’s palmarès. Klimatiza Orbea’s first Epic Series victory came at

the Andorra Epic in 2025, and the squad will be eager to claim another at the expense of their

fellow Spanish outfit, Buff BH.

Klimatiza Orbea, along with Bergankunft, is uniquely resourced in the 2026 edition. They are the

only squads with two teams in the race. Sebastian Gesche and Jose Dias lend experience and

firepower to Stutzmann and Porro’s quest for victory. While Michael Wohlgemuth and Marek

Sülzle plus Kimon Ress and Dominik Schwaiger, provide depth for the Bergankunft teams in

their pursuit of a top result.

Singer KTM’s Simon Stiebjahn and Martin Frey are two more highly experienced campaigners.

Since forming their own team in 2022, they have consistently challenged for podium positions in

Epic Series events, with their best result being their victory at the 2022 4Islands Epic. The

German pairing is arguably overdue for another victory, as are countrymen Georg Egger and

Lukas Baum.

Since Orbea Speed Company’s barnstorming breakthrough at the 2022 Absa Cape Epic, they

have secured victories in the Andorra Epic (2022 and 2024) as well as the 4Islands Epic (2023).

Egger and Baum’s aggressive style makes them fan favourites, and the short, sharp climbs

which punctuate the course across the Kvarner Islands suit their strengths. An alliance of sorts

between the German teams could serve them well, as the Italian teams have collaborated in the

past to upset more fancied outfits.

The C.S. Carabinieri – Olympia and Metallurgica Veneta MTB will be flying the tricolour and

could take the fight to the five-star favourites with an informal allegiance and a cohesive

approach. Metallurgica Veneta MTB, with an entirely different line-up, took home the 2024 title,

but this fact should still fill Andrea Candeago and Diego Alfonso Arias Cuervo with confidence.

Daniele Braidot and Filippo Fontana carry the number four ranking into the race for C.S.

Carabinieri – Olympia, and their UCI points haul suggests that they should not be

underestimated.

Roudil-Cortinat joined Matti ISB Sport at the start of the 2026 season and could help Marti Aran

Calonja to the outfit’s best elite men’s Epic Series finish, if all goes well. Though they will also

have to keep an eye on the Superior Lions, Filip Adel and Vojtech Neradil, while looking ahead of

them on the rankings list.

The elite men’s line-up is completed by the French Torque, Slovak National Team, R2Crew, VTT

Saint-Lô, Giant Hersbrück, and 1of1 Cycling Teams. In total, there are 36 men and 12 women in

the elite start groups. Mountain biking fans can expect close racing and battles for podium

places, the top five, and the top ten, within the fight for outright victory. To follow the action, as it

unfolds, from 14 to 18 April, like the 4Islands Epic Facebook page, follow @4islandsmtb on

Instagram, and subscribe to the Epic Series YouTube Channel.

More information on the 2026 4Islands Epic, including the 2026 route and the full start list for

the 11th edition, can be found at www.epic-series.com/4islands.

2026 4Islands Epic Elite Line-Ups

Elite Men

1. BUFF-BH: Wout Alleman (BEL | National Champion) & Martin Stošek (CZE)

2. KLIMATIZA ORBEA: Marc Stutzmann (SUI) & Samuele Porro (ITA)

3. SINGER KTM: Simon Stiebjahn (GER) & Martin Frey (GER)

4. C.S. CARABINIERI – OLYMPIA: Daniele Braidot (ITA) & Filippo Fontana (ITA)

5. KLIMATIZA ORBEA 2: Sebastian Gesche (CHI) & Jose Dias (POR)

6. ORBEA SPEED COMPANY: Georg Egger (GER) & Lukas Baum (GER)

7. METALLURGICA VENETA MTB: Andrea Candeago (ITA) & Diego Alfonso Arias Cuervo (COL)

8. MASSI ISB SPORT: Marti Aran Calonja (ESP) & Axel Roudil-Cortinat (FRA | National Champion)

10. D2MONT MERIDA: Hermann Pernsteiner (AUT | National Champion) & Filip Rydval (CZE)

11. 1OF1 CYCLING TEAM: Wolfgang Krenn (AUT) & Michael Holland (AUT)

12. FRENCH TORQUE: Luc Grosjean (FRA) & Tristan Arioli (FRA)

13. BERGANKUNFT KTM 2: Michael Wohlgemuth (ITA) & Marek Sülzle (GER)

14. SLOVAK NATIONAL TEAM: Samuel Kovac (SVK) & Tomas Visnovsky (SVK)

15. R2CREW: Felix Fritzsch (GER) & Paul Irmscher (GER)

16. BERGANKUNFT: Kimon Ress (SUI) & Dominik Schwaiger (GER)

17. VTT SAINT-LÔ: Julien Cousin (FRA) & Arnaud Blanchard (FRA)

18. GIANT HERSBRUCK: Julian Hatzold (GER) & Thomas Kletzenbauer (GER)

Elite Women

51. MASSI ISB SPORT: Monica Calderon (COL) & Costanza Fasolis (ITA)

52. KTM SPADA | BRENTA BRAKES: Anna Weinbeer (SUI) & Tanja Priller (GER)

53. METALLURGICA VENETA MTB: Maria Zarantonello (ITA) & Chrystelle Baumann (SUI)

54. TORPADO KENDA FSA: Katazina Sosna-Pinelė (LTU | National Champion) & Giorgia Marchet

(ITA)

55. MOLDECK/LINDGRENRACING: Terese Andersson (SWE) & Hildegunn Gjertrud Hovdenak

(SWE)

56. MAAP SRAM AUS: Ella Bloor (AUS) & Holly Harris (AUS)

57. MTB LADIES BY R-SUSPENSION FT REINDL-GARTNER: Veronika Weiss (GER) & Tina

Kindhofer (AUT)

Stage 1 Press Release

Stage 1: Fast, but not yet decisive, in Baška.

Synopsis:

A fast rollout along the seafront gave way to an immediate selection as the race hit the early

gradients. The climb toward the Moon Plateau split the field to pieces, with riders pushing deep

to hold position on the narrow, rocky singletrack. From there, it was classic 4Islands Epic:

exposed terrain, high-speed sections, and zero room for mistakes before the long Dolovo

descent and the final drag back to Baška.

Krk Island, 68 km and 1,500 meters of climbing. The 2026 4Islands Epic fired into life on the

island of Krk with a brutal and technical opener in Baška and from the first climb, it was full gas.

A fast rollout along the seafront gave way to an immediate selection as the race hit the early

gradients. The climb toward the Moon Plateau split the field to pieces, with riders pushing deep

to hold position on the narrow, rocky singletrack. From there, it was classic 4Islands Epic:

exposed terrain, high-speed sections, and zero room for mistakes before the long Dolovo

descent and the final drag back to Baška.

Buff-Megamo go all-in for Stage 1 win

The men’s race exploded early, but it all came down to timing and Buff BH Team played it

perfectly.

Riding smart and controlled through the opening phase, they kept something in reserve while

others burned matches on the climbs. Then, when it mattered most, they pulled the trigger. One

decisive move on the final climb was enough to break the race apart and secure the win in

2:38:37.

Behind them, KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team delivered a standout ride, hanging tough all day to

take second. They exceeded expectations but couldn’t respond when the pace surged late.

Singer KTM Racing Team rounded out the podium in third, staying consistent throughout and

keeping themselves well in contention heading into Stage 2.

Sosna sets the tone in dominant women’s performance

In the women’s race, Katazina Sosna and her teammate Georgia wasted no time taking control.

Smooth, efficient and mistake-free, the duo rode clear of the field and never looked back. Their

advantage grew steadily across the stage, crossing the line more than three minutes up and

laying down an early marker in the general classification.

“It was a good day at the office,” Sosna said, an understatement after such a commanding ride.

Strong, consistent and in control from start to finish, they head into the next stages with serious

momentum.

Behind them, Maria Zanantonello and Chrystelle Baumann delivered one of the rides of the day.

Racing together for the first time at 4Islands Epic, they exceeded all expectations, moving into

second place in the final kilometres after a decisive push.

Third place went to Anna Weinbeer and Tanja Priller, who stayed in the fight throughout. Despite

losing ground late, both riders remain focused on the bigger picture with four hard stages still

ahead, the race is wide open.

Game on

Stage 1 in Baška delivered exactly what 4Islands Epic is known for high speed, technical

pressure and early shake-ups in the GC.

The legs are tested, the gaps are open, and the tactics are already in play.

Four stages to go. It’s on.

Stage 1 – Elite Results

Elite Men

1. BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 2:38:37.3

2. C.S. CARABINIERI OLYMPIA – Daniele Braidot / Filippo Fontana – 2:39:09.3 (+32.0)

3. SINGER KTM RACING – Simon Stiebjahn / Martin Frey – 2:39:36.4 (+59.1)

Elite Women

1. TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 3:16:38.3

2. METALLURGICA VENETA PRO – NEXT RIDE – Maria Zarantonello / Chrystelle Baumann –

3:20:21.2 (+3:42.9)

3. KTM SPADA (Brenta Brakes) – Anna Weinbeer / Tanja Priller – 3:20:55.3 (+4:17.0)

Stage 1 – Category Leaders

• Elite Men: BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 2:38:37.3

• Elite Women: TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet –

3:16:38.3

• Open Men: BICIKLE FRŽOP – Roko Fržop / Rok Naglič – 2:52:12.8

• Open Women: TEAM VODICE – Maja Bonačić / Dora Čičin-Šain – 3:55:48.0

• Mixed: VALAMAR LOVES BIKES TEAM 1 – Martin Legović / Ana Rumiha – 3:22:29.4

• Masters Men: XOKRÉ – Xavier Dafflon / Xavier Gendre – 3:08:26.6

• Grand Masters Men: ORBEA FOX FACTORY TEAM – Ibon Zugasti / Ernesto Mendoza –

3:04:09.0

• Great Grand Masters Men: SYNEVO TEAM – Peter Vesel / Axel Strauss – 3:22:40.8

To follow the 4Islands Epic action live, mountain biking fans are encouraged to tune into the

4Islands Epic’s live broadcast on the Epic Series YouTube Channel here. Daily highlights from

the race can also be viewed on the YouTube Channel, and the excitement from the trails of

Western Cape will be shared on the 4Islands Epic Facebook page and @4islandsmtbon

Instagram. To find out more, visit

Stage 2: Queen Stage shakes up the race on Krk

Longer, harder, and far more tactical than the opener, Stage 2 pushed riders deep into the red. The early “warm-up” quickly gave way to a decisive selection on the long tarmac climb toward the Moon Plateau. From there, relentless terrain, technical coastal sections and two major late climbs turned the Queen Stage into a full-gas battle, where timing, teamwork and endurance defined the outcome.

Krk Island, 84.6 km and 1,838 meters of climbing. The 2026 4Islands Epic stepped up a level on Stage 2, delivering a true Queen Stage out of Baška.

Riders rolled out in the opposite direction to Stage 1, but any thoughts of easing in disappeared quickly. After a fast start through open terrain, the race ignited on the long road climb toward the Moon Plateau. From there, a mix of rocky traverses, flowing trails, the technical “James Bond” coastal descent and two decisive late climbs created one of the toughest days in the race.

Orbea Speed Company strike back

The men’s race was aggressive from the gun, and Orbea Speed Company Racing Team made their intentions clear early.

With nothing to lose after Stage 1, Georg Egger and Lukas Baum attacked hard, forcing the pace on the early climbs and committing to a long-range move. Even a mid-race puncture couldn’t stop their momentum. Once back up to speed, they went all-in again riding solo for much of the stage.

Behind them, the chase was relentless. Buff-BH Team, Klimatiza Orbea Team and Singer KTM Racing Team worked together to limit the damage.

In a dramatic finish, the gap came down to just seconds, but Orbea Speed Company held on for the win in 3:15:22.4.

Klimatiza Orbea Team secured second place (+24.0), with Buff-BH just behind in third (+24.9), keeping the overall battle tight.

Buff-BH in control of the overall

While they didn’t take the stage, Buff-BH Team delivered exactly what was needed control.

Riding with precision and composure, Wout Alleman and Martin Stošek marked the key moves and avoided unnecessary risks. Their consistency across the first two stages keeps them firmly in the overall lead, setting a strong foundation for the days ahead.

Behind them, Klimatiza Orbea Team move into second overall, while Speed Company’s stage win launches them back into contention.

Sosna and Marchet dominate Queen Stage

In the women’s race, Katarzyna Sosna and Giorgia Marchet once again delivered a commanding performance for Torpado Kenda FSA Team.

Riding with perfect synergy, the duo controlled the race from the front, sharing the workload and maintaining a relentless pace across the demanding course. Their advantage grew steadily throughout the day, crossing the line in 4:06:08.4 and extending their lead significantly in the general classification.

Behind them, Maria Zanantonello and Chrystelle Baumann (Metallurgica Veneta Pro – Next Ride) delivered another strong and consistent ride to take second place (+9:42.7), consolidating their GC position.

A standout performance came from Terese Andersson and Hildegunn Gjertrud Hovdenak of Molde CK / Lindgren Racing, who secured third place on the stage (+10:47.0) with a solid and composed ride.

Race taking shape

The Queen Stage did more than test legs it exposed strategy.

Big attacks, long-range moves and tight finishes are already shaping the general classification. With the race now moving beyond Krk to the next islands, consistency and recovery will become just as important as raw speed.

Three stages to go. The battle is on.

Stage 2 – Elite Results

Elite Men

1ORBEA SPEED COMPANY – Georg Egger / Lukas Baum – 3:15:22.4

2KLIMATIZA ORBEA TEAM – Marc Stutzmann / Samuele Porro – +24.0

3BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – +24.9

Elite Women

1TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 4:06:08.4

2METALLURGICA VENETA PRO – NEXT RIDE – Maria Zarantonello / Chrystelle Baumann – +9:42.7

3MOLDECK / LINDGRENRACING – Terese Andersson / Hildegunn Gjertrud Hovdenak – +10:47.0

General Classification Leaders after Stage 2

•Elite Men: BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 5:54:24.6

•Elite Women: TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 7:22:46.7

•Open Men: BICIKLE FRŽOP – Roko Fržop / Rok Naglič – 6:29:20.6

•Open Women: SPECIALIZED GERAARDSBERGEN – Emma Van Der Stockt / Eline Soen – 8:50:24.0

•Mixed: VALAMAR LOVES BIKES TEAM 1 – Martin Legović / Ana Rumiha – 7:49:58.0

•Masters Men: SQUIRT CYCLING TEAM – Angelo Guiducci / Matteo Polverini – 7:03:30.0

•Grand Masters Men: ORBEA FOX FACTORY TEAM – Ibon Zugasti / Ernesto Mendoza – 6:53:20.3

•Great Grand Masters Men: SYNEVO TEAM – Peter Vesel / Axel Strauss – 7:38:41.4

To follow the 4Islands Epic action live, mountain biking fans are encouraged to tune into the 4Islands Epic’s live broadcast on the Epic Series

YouTube Channel here

. Daily highlights from the race can also be viewed on the YouTube Channel, and the excitement from the trails of Western Cape will be shared on the 4Islands Epic Facebook page and @4islandsmtbon Instagram. To find out more, visit

This unidentified rider is clearly having fun racing here. Photo courtesy 4Islands Epic.