The 4Islands Epic has officially revealed the full route for its 2026 edition, scheduled to take
place from April 14 to April 18, 2026, in Croatia’s Kvarner archipelago. The five-day mountain
bike stage race will cover 300kilometres and feature 6,500 metres of climbing, confirming its
status as one of the most demanding and distinctive MTB stage races in Europe.
The 2026 route spans four Adriatic islands, Krk, Cres, Unije and Lošinj, each offering a unique
blend of terrain, culture and riding character. The course has been carefully designed to
challenge riders across a wide range of skills, from technical singletrack and rocky descents to
fast gravel sections and sustained climbs.
A route defined by diversity and progression
The race opens with two stages on Krk, where riders are introduced to the signature features of
the 4Islands Epic. Exposed limestone terrain, fast rolling tracks and iconic locations such as the
Moon Plateau and James Bond Trail define the opening days. These stages demand speed and
precision, setting the tone for the week ahead.
Stage 3 moves the race to Cres, widely regarded as the most physically demanding day of the
event. Beginning directly from the ferry port, the stage features long climbs, remote trails and
shepherd-carved singletracks overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This stage often plays a decisive role
in shaping the general classification.
A shift in format follows with Stage 4, an individual time trial on the island of Unije. Though
relatively short, the stage is fast and tactical, requiring strong pacing and full concentration. Its
inclusion adds strategic depth to the race and offers a unique contrast to the marathon stages.
The event concludes on Lošinj, where the final stage combines technical trail riding with urban
MTB sections through the streets and coastal paths of Mali Lošinj. Steep climbs from sea level
and demanding descents ensure a challenging and exciting finish to the race.
An iconic MTB stage race experience
Beyond the physical challenge, the 4Islands Epic is renowned for its immersive setting and
unique logistics. Ferry starts, island transfers and finishes at sea level are integral to the
experience, making the event unlike any other MTB stage race on the international calendar.
The 2026 route reflects the event’s core philosophy: authentic mountain biking, strong local
character and a course that rewards teamwork, resilience and intelligent racing.
Full route details, stage descriptions and the official Route Reveal video are now available on
the event’s website.
The 2025 Route in detail
5 Days · 300 km · 6,500 m of climbing
From April 14 to April 18, 2026, the 4Islands Epic returns to Croatia with its most complete route
to date. Five stages, four islands, and a unique blend of technical singletrack, fast gravel roads,
demanding climbs, and unforgettable descents, all framed by the Adriatic Sea.
The 2026 route combines the unmistakable 4Islands Epic DNA, white limestone rock, sheep
carved trails, historic villages, and constant sea views with new segments and refined stage
design to deliver a true mountain bike stage race experience.
Stage 1 · Krk
Baška – Baška | 68 km · 1,500 m+
Not a classic 4Islands Epic opener. Scenic and decisive for early GC positioning.
Stage 1 opens the race with a spectacular loop around Baška Bay, immediately immersing
riders in the essence of island mountain biking. The stage blends urban riding, coastal paths
and technical singletracks before climbing onto the legendary Moon Plateau. Fast gravel
sections reward strong riders, while narrow singletracks demand smart positioning and
technical skill. Long descents, canyon trails and sweeping meadows guide riders back toward
Baška for a fast and flowing finale.
Stage 2 · Krk
Baška – Baška | 85 km · 1,850 m+
Big mileage, legendary trails and decisive climbing, a true endurance test.
The longest stage of the race delivers pure island flow. Rolling terrain and pastureland provide
an early warm-up before the iconic Disco Point climb and the famous James Bond Trail, one of
the nicest descents in this edition. This stage mixes forest trails, vineyard landscapes and
exposed coastal riding before finishing with a rewarding singletrack descent from the Moon
Plateau back into Baška.
Stage 3 · Cres
Merag – Cres | 83 km · 1,900 m+
Remote, raw and relentless, the soul of 4Islands Epic.
Stage 3 delivers one of the most authentic mountain biking experiences in Croatia. Starting
directly from the Merag ferry, riders are thrown straight into climbing above the Adriatic. Remote
villages, wild landscapes and the iconic Shepherd’s Paradise singletracks define this queen
style stage. The terrain is constantly changing, demanding pacing, resilience and focus until the
f
inal run back toward Cres.
Stage 4 · Unije · Individual Time Trial
Unije – Unije | 23 km · 350 m+
Small gaps can mean big changes in the overall standings.
Unije | Individual Time Trial. Short, fast and deceptive, the Unije time trial is all about power and
precision. Riders climb from sea level to scenic high points before sweeping descents and fast
island tracks take over. Passing cliffs, a historic lighthouse and the island’s tiny airport, this
stage is a unique contrast to the longer marathon days.
Stage 5 · Lošinj
Mali Lošinj – Mali Lošinj | 42km · 1000 m+
A fitting final challenge, tough, technical and unforgettable.
The grand finale blends urban MTB racing with technical island trails. From the historic harbour
of Mali Lošinj to rocky summits and cliff-side singletracks, this stage tests everything riders have
left. Fast descents, technical climbs and coastal cruising lead riders back to the finish line for a
memorable conclusion to the 4Islands Epic 2026.
4Islands Epic reveals its most complete route to date for the 2026 edition
