AN ISLAND ODYSSEY

The iconic ferry start, in the port of Merag, gets Stage 2 underway in a way only 4Islands MTB Croatia can. Rolling off the ferry and onto the wharf is virtually the only flat segment of the day, however. Teams need to be prepared to climb and descend throughout the 83 kilometres route, conquering 1 880 metres of elevation gain across the islands of Cres. Ancient villages, goat trails carved by centuries of shepherds moving their flocks between fertile meadows, and breathtaking views – not only of the ocean but also of Lake Vransko, though riders will have to have a special kind of vision to see the mythical castle which is said to be submerged in the lake. After a day of tracks and trails the stage ends with an urban dash through the old town of Cres where the finish line awaits.