The first edition of the Adria Bike 4Islands MTB stage race has been run, won, and deemed a great success. The new event link the four islands Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj. 200 cyclists from 19 countries took part in the race, which carried them over 270 kilometres of Croatia’s finest trails.
Despite ending with unpredictable weather that changed from sunny and warm to rainy and cold during the last day, the 200 riders were not discouraged and finished with smiles on their faces.
Professional cyclists and recreational racers from different countries like Germany, Italy, USA and Switzerland demonstrated their skills and speed on demanding trails that the race visited.
From Krk to Rab, followed by Cres and finally Losinj, participants competed in challenging and different environments. The winners of the last stage at Losinj islands were Zsolt Bur and Gabor Cser in the men’s category and sisters Gorana and Zorana Tezak in the women’s category. The best mixed pair were European champion Tanja Zakelj and Urban Ferencak from Slovenia. In the ever popular men’s 45+ category Matjaz Murgelj and Konstantin Kuzmin took the victory.
In the overall race though, the winners came from different countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic and Hungary.
Men’s category: Czech – Hungarian team Jiri Krivanek and Marton Blazso
Women’s category: Croatian team Zorana and Gorana Arduino, ladies were absolutely dominant throughout all 4 stages.
Mixed pairs category: Slovenian team Tanja Zakelj and Urban Ferencak
45+ category: Slovenian team Matjaz Murgelj and Konstantin Kuzmin
Starting the race started right at the ferry boat on the island Rab, with the trails passing right along the edge of the sea. This is just one of the few experiences that racing on islands in the Adriatic can offer, and that make this race unique and recognisable.
Jiri Krivanek from Czech Republic quoted: “ I have been participating bike events all around the world and I have never experienced such original and magnificent start as at 4Islands.”
This makes 4Islands one of the most beautiful races – something already proven by entries selling out prior to the race. Despite complex logistical requirements the race was well organised, and contributed to the whole Croatian tourism sector by hosting a hundreds of new guests prior to summer season and showing some of the beauties that Croatia can offer.
Keep an eye on the event website for 2016 dates.