Island of Unije Delivers in the 4Islands Epic Time Trial

News release:

Short, sharp, and unforgiving Stage 4 brought the first-ever individual team time trial to the 4Islands Epic. With just 23 km and 350 meters of climbing, the margins were razor-thin, and every second counted. Precision, pacing, and execution defined the day, as small mistakes proved costly and the general classification tightened ahead of the final stage.

From Lošinj to Unije, riders once again started the day with a ferry transfer before lining up in reverse GC order for the first time trial in race history.

 

At just 23 km, Stage 4 was the shortest of the race but far from easy. A fast opening, a punchy mid-section, and the decisive climb around the 15 km mark forced riders into maximum effort from start to finish. No drafting games, no tactics just pure output.

Speed Company take narrow win in men’s raceThe men’s race came down to seconds.

Orbea Speed Company Racing Team delivered a near-perfect ride, pushing hard from the start and holding their pace all the way to the line. Despite a late-race scare, they held on to take the stage win by just five seconds.

 

 

Behind them, Buff BH Team executed a measured and controlled effort. Building their race through the splits, they steadily closed the gap but ultimately fell just short, finishing second on the stage.

Singer KTM Racing Team continued their consistent run, securing third place and staying firmly in contention for the overall podium.

 

Buff-BH maintain control as GC tightens

Despite missing out on the stage win, Buff BH Team remain firmly in control of the general classification.

Their advantage now stands at over five minutes, giving them a solid buffer heading into the final stage. Behind them, the battle for second has intensified dramatically. Orbea Speed Company and Singer KTM Racing Team are now tied on time, setting up a decisive showdown for the remaining podium positions.

 

Four from four for Sosna and Marchet

In the women’s race, Katarzyna Sosna and Giorgia Marchet continued their dominant run for Torpado Kenda FSA Team.

Delivering another flawless performance, they stopped the clock in 58:17, securing their fourth consecutive stage win and further extending their lead in the general classification.

Behind them, KTM Sparta powered by Brenta Brakes once again proved their strength, taking second place on the day with a solid and controlled ride.

A breakthrough performance came from the Australian pairing of MAAP SRAM, who secured third place—just fractions of a second ahead of Metallurgica Veneta Pro Next Ride, who were delayed by a puncture and narrowly missed the podium.

 

All to play for

Stage 4 stripped racing back to its purest form—no tactics, no hiding, just effort.

With one stage remaining, the overall leaders look secure at the top, but the fight for the remaining podium places is wide open.

The final stage awaits. One last test. One last chance.

 

Stage 4 – Elite Results

 Elite Men

1ORBEA SPEED COMPANY – Georg Egger / Lukas Baum – 47:16.2

2BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 47:22.1 (+5.9)

3SINGER KTM RACING – Simon Stiebjahn / Martin Frey – 48:23.3 (+1:07.1)

Ferry boat rides get the riders from one island to the next for each of the stages of the race.

 

Elite Women

1TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 58:17.6

2KTM SPADA (Brenta Brakes) – Anna Weinbeer / Tanja Priller – 1:00:15.8 (+1:58.2)

3MAAP SRAM AUS – Ella Bloor / Holly Harris – 1:02:42.1 (+4:24.5)

 

General Classification Leaders after Stage 4

•Elite Men: BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 10:01:31.7

•Elite Women: TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 12:33:13.1

•Open Men: BICIKLE FRŽOP – Roko Fržop / Rok Naglič – 11:08:02.6

•Open Women: TEAM VODICE – Maja Bonačić / Dora Čičin-Šain – 15:27:40.4

•Mixed: VALAMAR LOVES BIKES TEAM 1 – Martin Legović / Ana Rumiha – 13:22:46.2

•Masters Men: SQUIRT CYCLING TEAM – Angelo Guiducci / Matteo Polverini – 12:04:04.1

•Grand Masters Men: ORBEA FOX FACTORY TEAM – Ibon Zugasti / Ernesto Mendoza – 11:46:48.4

•Great Grand Masters Men: SYNEVO TEAM – Peter Vesel / Axel Strauss – 13:00:42.4

 

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 https://www.epic-series.com/races/4islands.

 

~ ENDS ~