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Stage 2: Queen Stage shakes up the race on Krk. 4Islands.

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4Islands

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

  1. ORBEA SPEED COMPANY – Georg Egger / Lukas Baum – 3:15:22.4
  2. KLIMATIZA ORBEA TEAM – Marc Stutzmann / Samuele Porro – +24.0
  3. BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – +24.9

Elite Women

  1. TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 4:06:08.4
  2. METALLURGICA VENETA PRO – NEXT RIDE – Maria Zarantonello / Chrystelle Baumann – +9:42.7
  3. MOLDECK / 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