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Stage 1: Fast, but not yet decisive, in Baška. 4Islands 2026.

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4Islands

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