The Ironman Group has confirmed the acquisition of Croatia’s 4Islands MTB Stage Race. The event will expand The Ironman Group’s global portfolio of Epic Series 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 300km and consists of a prologue and four stages, each of which is held on a separate Croatian island, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea.
Teams 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.
Ironman added: “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.”
The Epic Series hosts mountain bike stage races in locations across the globe. Currently, the Epic Series has events in South Africa, Switzerland, Wales, Andorra and Australia. With the 4Islands MTB Stage Race joining the Epic Series, its footprint is expanded into Europe.
“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,” said 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.”
