The IRONMAN Group has announced its acquisition of Croatia’s famed 4Islands MTB Stage RaceTM. The event will expand The IRONMAN Group’s global portfolio of Epic SeriesTM mountain bike stage races.
The 4Islands MTB Stage Race set to take place from 19 – 23 April 2022 in Croatia, is a unique event in the mountain biking world as it presents teams of two with an offering like no other. The route is 300 kilometres and consists of a prologue and four stages, each of which is held on a separate Croatian Island, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea.
Teams will be treated to a truly unique mountain bike experience as they kickstart their adventure by racing off the deck of a floating boat and onto the natural goat paths, historic pathways, and man-made tracks on Island KRK, Island RAB, Island CRES and Island Lošinj. While the islands may be new to non-Croatian mountain bikers, the sleepy island of Lošinj has long-been a destination for those seeking thrills on two wheels thanks to its thousands of annual sunshine-filled hours.
“Croatia has been working diligently on growing its presence as a top riding destination, both recreational and competitive. The 4Islands MTB Stage Race is a prime example of how competitive cycling provides a great opportunity to promote Croatia as an excellent destination year-round, whether one opts to attend as a spectator or try cycling for themselves in the shoulder season. We are pleased that Croatia’s 4Islands MTB Stage Race will highlight four of our amazing islands and look forward to this race continuing in the future,” noted Dubravko Šimenc, OLY of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
The Epic Series prides itself on hosting class-leading mountain bike stage races in iconic locations across the globe. Currently, the Epic Series has events in South Africa; Graubünden, Switzerland; Wales; Andorra and Australia. With the 4Islands MTB Stage Race joining the Epic Series, the Epic Series furthers its global footprint into Europe that aims to attract dedicated amateurs and the world’s best riders.
“The Epic Series sets the standard for mountain bike stage races the world over and having the 4Islands MTB Stage Race join our global series is incredibly exciting,” explained Kati Csak, Global Director of the Epic Series. “The unique race format and amazing Croatian trails offer a riding experience like nothing else in the world, making the 4Islands MTB Stage Race a perfect addition to the Epic Series just by location alone. With the 4Islands MTB Stage Race joining the Epic Series, riders will now have another opportunity to qualify for the Absa Cape Epic on European soil!”
“We are exceptionally honoured as well as proud of the fact that 4Islands became a member of the Epic Series. The vision and enthusiasm invested in the project has been recognised and awarded proving once again that we should always follow our dreams,” said Tomislav Zobec, 4Islands MTB Stage Race Founder.
Riders can qualify to race the Absa Cape Epic by registering their interest while signing up for the 2022 4 Islands MTB Stage Race.
The 2022 4Islands MTB Stage Race is set to take place from 19 – 23 April 2022 and will feature five racing categories, in addition to the UCI Elite men and UCI Elite women:
Open Men (Including UCI)
Open Women (Including UCI)
Masters (40-49 years)
Grand Masters (50+ years)
Mixed (both riders over 18 years)
For more information, or to secure an entry to the 4Islands MTB Stage Race, visit the website. Additional information on the Epic Series and its global portfolio of mountain bike stage races can be found at epic-series.com.
For more information on The IRONMAN Group and its global event series, visit ironman.com.
