Four days, four islands – the first edition of 4Islands MTB stage race has finished
Press release :
The first edition of unique mountain bike race “Adria Bike 4Islands MTB stage race” – islands Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj. 200 cyclists from 19 countries. 270 kilometres of trails.
Unpredictable weather that changed from sunny and warm to rainy and cold during the last day, had not discouraged 200 real mountain bike lovers to participate this unique race held on 4 Kvarner islands (Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj) and containing 270 kilometres in total.
Professional cyclists and recreationists from different countries like Germany, Italy, USA and Switzerland demonstrated their skills and speed on demanding trails. 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 male category and sisters Gorana and Zorana Tezak in female category. The best mixed gender couple were European champion Tanja Zakelj and Urban Ferencak from Slovenia. The last category was male 45+ where Matjaz Murgelj and Konstantin Kuzmin took the victory.
Summarising results of an all 4 stages we got the first “Adria Bike 4Islands MTB race” winners – double celebration for Slovenia, single victories for Croatia, Czech Republic and Hungary:
Male category: Czech – Hungarian team Jiri Krivanek and Marton Blazso
Female category: Croatian team Zorana and Gorana Arduino, ladies were absolutely dominant throughout all 4 stages.
Mixed gender category: Slovenian team Tanja Zakelj and Urban Ferencak
45+ category: Slovenian team Matjaz Murgelj and Konstantin Kuzmin
Trails passing by the sea within wonderful nature that only islands can offer, starting the race directly from a ferry boat at island Rab, are just a few exceptions that make this race unique and recognizable.
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 race what has already been proved by ticket’s sold out prior to the race.
Despite complex logistical requirements, the race was well organised, contributing to 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.
