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Urban Majcen: 10 Years of Passion for the 4Islands Epic

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The Slovenian rider celebrated a decade-long streak at Croatia’s legendary mountain bike stage race. Slovenian mountain biker Urban Majcen joined a truly elite group finishing every single edition of the 4Islands Epic since its launch in 2015. In 2025, he crossed the finish line for the tenth consecutive time, marking a decade of endurance, commitment, and love for the Croatian islands that have shaped this unique race.

The Slovenian rider celebrated a decade-long streak at Croatia’s legendary mountain bike stage race.

Slovenian mountain biker Urban Majcen joined a truly elite group finishing every single edition of the 4Islands Epic since its launch in 2015. In 2025, he crossed the finish line for the tenth consecutive time, marking a decade of endurance, commitment, and love for the Croatian islands that have shaped this unique race.

“When I first saw the announcement that an MTB stage race across the Croatian islands was being organized, I thought the idea was both phenomenal and crazy,” Majcen recalls.

“Even today, nothing has changed. Every year I’m amazed again by the event, which keeps getting better and better.”

From a Bold Idea to a World-Class Race

Over the past decade, the 4Islands Epic has grown from a daring local experiment into one of Europe’s premier Epic Series mountain bike stage races. Riders tackle rugged island terrain, steep climbs, and ferry crossings between stages a logistical and physical adventure that has become a hallmark of the event.

Majcen has witnessed that transformation firsthand. “During the first edition, we had to find our own accommodation, meals, and even bike-washing spots,” he says. “A lot depended on the creativity of both the organizers and us riders. Now, everything is exactly as it should be the organization is at the highest level. Epic is truly epic.”

A Decade of Memories and Challenges

Ten editions mean ten years of stories and Majcen has plenty to tell. “The first year, there was no space left on the official boats to Rab, so about ten of us found a small fishing boat instead,” he remembers with a smile. “We were lying on the roof like sardines, getting tossed around by the waves. We arrived seasick and started the stage that way!”

Across those years, Majcen has raced with six different partners, each bringing their own dynamic to the challenge. “For two of them, the race was actually a surprise birthday gift,” he laughs. “They definitely remember that gift well and so did their bodies after all those rocky singletracks.”

Despite the hardships, what keeps him coming back is the sense of discovery and camaraderie that define the 4Islands Epic.

“It’s about the connection with nature, exploring new trails, and the never-ending question: could there be an even more beautiful singletrack than the last one?” he says.

More Than a Race: A Community

For Majcen, the 4Islands Epic is as much about people as it is about performance. “Humans are social beings that’s what separates us from other living creatures. Every year we hear that people are becoming more isolated. Well, the 4Islands Epic is the cure for that. Everyone here shares the same passion and goals,” he explains. “That beer after the stage with fellow riders and fans really counts for a lot.”

If there’s one value that defines the event for him, it’s simple: “There’s only one thing that truly matters respect.”

Looking Ahead

Reaching his tenth finish in 2025 marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. To celebrate his decade-long streak, Majcen has set his sights on a new challenge: the 2026 Absa Cape Epic in South Africa the pinnacle of the Epic Series.

“As a reward for completing all ten editions of 4Islands, I’ve decided to race the Cape Epic,” he says. “Even now, I have tears in my eyes. It feels like the cherry on top of the cream for my MTB career. With both fear and respect, I can say that’s my next challenge.”

At 50, Urban Majcen continues to embody the spirit of the 4Islands Epic passion, perseverance, and the joy of exploration. Ten years, four islands, countless trails, and one enduring truth: the adventure never ends.