4Islands Epic 2026 (CRO) kicks off with stage 1

Stage 1 opened the race with a spectacular loop around Baška Bay, immediately immersing riders in the essence of island mountain biking. The stage blended urban riding, coastal paths and technical singletracks before climbing onto the legendary Moon Plateau. Fast gravel sections rewarded strong riders, while narrow singletracks demanded smart positioning and technical skill. Long descents, canyon trails and sweeping meadows guided riders back toward Baška for a fast and flowing finale.
In the men race, the favourites, Wout Alleman (BEL) & Martin Stosek (CZE) claimed the first stage win – both national title holders and recently Cape Epic stage winners will wear the leader jersey tomorrow. In the UCI women category, national Lithuanian champ Katazina Sosna-Pinele and Giorga Marchet (ITA) took the stage 1 win.