Stage 3: Ferry start and full gas racing on Cres for Buff BH and Torpado Kenda FSA. 4Islands 2026.

A unique ferry start, a brutal opening climb straight out of the Merag harbour, and relentless racing across the island of Cres made Stage 3 one of the most distinctive days of the race.

Island transfer day at the 2026 4Islands Epic delivered one of the most iconic stages of the race.

From Krk to Cres, riders boarded the early morning ferry from Baška before arriving in Merag for a spectacular race start straight off the boat. No warm-up, no easing in—just full gas from the horn.

At 83 km and 1,900 meters of climbing, Stage 3 was anything but a transition day.

Buff-BH time it to perfection

The men’s race ignited immediately on the steep opening climb out of Merag, with teams forced into the red from the first minutes.

Orbea Speed Company Racing Team once again set the tone early, pushing the pace and committing to the front. With a deficit on GC, they had to take responsibility and they did.

Right behind, Buff BH Team stayed composed, letting the race come to them. Sitting on a comfortable GC lead, they measured their effort and avoided unnecessary risks.

Singer KTM Racing Team remained in the mix until a mechanical issue disrupted their rhythm, allowing the chasing group to close in. As the race approached the final climb, the decisive move came.

Buff-BH struck late—timing their attack perfectly to distance Speed Company and secure the stage win in 3:19:45. A calculated and controlled performance that further strengthens their grip on the overall.

Orbea Speed Company followed in second, maintaining pressure on GC rivals, while Singer KTM Racing Team recovered well to take third on the day.

GC battle tightens behind the leaders

With another stage win, Buff BH Team continue to dominate the race, combining tactical awareness with consistent execution.

Behind them, the fight for the podium remains intense. Speed Company’s aggressive riding keeps them in contention, while Klimatiza Orbea Team continue to hold a strong overall position despite losing time to the front.

Three from three for Sosna and Marchet

In the women’s race, Katarzyna Sosna and Giorgia Marchet made it three wins from three stages for Torpado Kenda FSA Team.

Riding once again with control and consistency, they managed their effort across the demanding course and delivered when it mattered—taking the stage win in a sprint finish after a more closely contested day. For the first time in the race, they had company at the front. KTM Sparta powered by Brenta Brakes, with Anna Weinbeer and Tanja Priller, pushed hard throughout the stage, staying close and finishing second after a strong and aggressive ride.

Despite mechanical issues, Maria Zanantonello and Chrystelle Baumann (Metallurgica Veneta Pro – Next Ride) fought back multiple times to secure third place, limiting their losses and holding onto second overall.

Race taking shape before the time trial

Stage 3 combined everything that makes 4Islands Epic unique—ferry logistics, explosive starts, technical terrain and tactical racing.

With three stages completed, the general classification is starting to solidify at the top, but the battle for podium positions remains wide open.

Next up: the time trial. Short, intense, and unforgiving—the race against the clock will bring a completely different challenge.

Two stages to go. No margin for error.

Stage 3 – Elite Results

Elite Men

1. BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 3:19:45.0
2. ORBEA SPEED COMPANY – Georg Egger / Lukas Baum – +1:09.1
3. SINGER KTM RACING – Simon Stiebjahn / Martin Frey – +2:44.4

Elite Women

1. TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 4:12:08.8
2. KTM SPADA (Brenta Brakes) – Anna Weinbeer / Tanja Priller – +0.5
3. METALLURGICA VENETA PRO – NEXT RIDE – Maria Zarantonello / Chrystelle Baumann – +13:54.3

General Classification Leaders after Stage 3

• Elite Men: BUFF-BH – Wout Alleman / Martin Stošek – 9:14:09.6
• Elite Women: TORPADO KENDA FSA – Katažina Sosna-Pinele / Giorgia Marchet – 11:34:55.5
• Open Men: BICIKLE FRŽOP – Roko Fržop / Rok Naglič – 10:15:38.7
• Open Women: SPECIALIZED GERAARDSBERGEN – Emma Van Der Stockt / Eline Soen – 13:56:03.3
• Mixed: VALAMAR LOVES BIKES TEAM 1 – Martin Legović / Ana Rumiha – 12:18:56.2
• Masters Men: SQUIRT CYCLING TEAM – Angelo Guiducci / Matteo Polverini – 11:07:44.4
• Grand Masters Men: ORBEA FOX FACTORY TEAM – Ibon Zugasti / Ernesto Mendoza – 10:51:42.5
• Great Grand Masters Men: SYNEVO TEAM – Peter Vesel / Axel Strauss – 12:00:20.1