Riders Start From a Boat in Stage 3 of the 4Islands Epic

4Islands Epic—Stage 3 Press Release:

Stage 3: Ferry start and full gas racing on Cres

Synopsis:

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. With minimal warm-up and immediate intensity, positioning and timing were critical, while the final climb once again proved decisive in shaping the stage outcome.

MTB riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by:
Samir Ceric Kovacevic/4Islands Epic.

 

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.

MTB riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by:
Samir Ceric Kovacevic/4Islands Epic.

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.

Elite UCI riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by
Dunja Dopsaj 4Islands Epic.

 

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.

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.

Riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by
Sam Clark/4Islands Epic.

 

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.

Riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by
Sam Clark/4Islands Epic.

 

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.

Riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by
Sam Clark/4Islands Epic.

 

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.

MTB riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by:
Samir Ceric Kovacevic/4Islands Epic.

 

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

MTB riders during Stage 3 of the 2026 4Islands Epic, Cres, Croatia on the 16 April 2026. Photo by:
Samir Ceric Kovacevic/4Islands Epic.

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
To follow the 4Islands Epic action live, mountain biking fans are encouraged to tune into the 4Islands Epic’s live broadcast on the Epic Series YouTube Channel here. Daily highlights from the race can also be viewed on the YouTube Channel, and the excitement from the trails of Western Cape will be shared on the 4Islands Epic Facebook page and @4islandsmtb on Instagram. To find out more, visit https://www.epic-series.com/races/4islands.