The 2026 race will start in Baška on the island of Krk and finish in Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj.
If you’d like to see how the route looked in 2025, check it out here!
4Islands Epic 2026 Route Overview | Mountain Biking Across the Kvarner Islands
Explore the full 4Islands Epic 2026 route. Five MTB stages across Krk, Cres, Unije and Lošinj. 300 km of island trails and epic climbing in Croatia.
In 2026 the Croatian Kvarner islands play host to 300 spectacular kilometers of mountain biking. Climbing from the seaside through postcard perfect villages into the limestone hills in search of singletracks, scenic vistas and scintillating racing the ascents may not be long. Yet, they steadily accumulate, and the 6.500 meters of climbing across the five days hints at how tough the course is. 4Islands Epic is a Legend status Epic Series event after all and each finisher will have to earn their medal.
5 Days | 300km | 6.500m Climbing
The 4Islands Epic 2026 is one of the most iconic mountain biking races in the world, delivering five unforgettable days of racing across the rugged and beautiful Kvarner Islands in Croatia. From rocky island singletracks and moon-like plateaus to historic towns and turquoise coastlines, this is a true Epic MTB adventure designed to challenge both body and mind. The 2026 4Islands Epic features an exciting update! In 2025 we couldn't ride in the unconquered Unije but this year we will! We've changed the order of the islands to maximize your experience on and off the bike; this new order means exciting updates and alterations to the route. Think all the best from the years before but with more exciting trails, more challenges, more views, and more chances to Conquer the Rocks. In 2026, we'll visit Krk, Cres, Unije and finish the adventure on Lošinj.
Not a classic 4Islands Epic opener. Scenic and decisive for early GC positioning.
Stage 1 opens the race with a spectacular loop around Baška Bay, immediately immersing riders in the essence of island mountain biking. The stage blends urban riding, coastal paths and technical singletracks before climbing onto the legendary Moon Plateau. Fast gravel sections reward strong riders, while narrow singletracks demand smart positioning and technical skill. Long descents, canyon trails and sweeping meadows guide riders back toward Baška for a fast and flowing finale.
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
CHASE FREEDOM AND DEFY LIMITS
Distance 68km | Climbing 1,500m | Descent 1,500m
Host Islands Krk
Start Location Baška
Finish Location Baška
Big mileage, legendary trails and decisive climbing, a true endurance test.
The longest stage of the race delivers pure island flow. Rolling terrain and pastureland provide an early warm-up before the iconic Disco Point climb and the famous James Bond Trail, one of the nicest descents in this edition. This stage mixes forest trails, vineyard landscapes and exposed coastal riding before finishing with a rewarding singletrack descent from the Moon Plateau back into Baška.
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
COASTAL EMBRACE
Distance 85km | Climbing 1,850m
Host Islands Krk
Start Location Baška
Finish Location Baška
Remote, raw and relentless, the soul of 4Islands Epic.
Stage 3 delivers one of the most authentic mountain biking experiences in Croatia. Starting directly from the Merag ferry, riders are thrown straight into climbing above the Adriatic.
Remote villages, wild landscapes and the iconic Shepherd’s Paradise singletracks define this queen-style stage. The terrain is constantly changing, demanding pacing, resilience and focus until the final run back toward Cres.
Thursday, 16 April 2026
IGNITE ADVENTURE, UNLEASH MOTION
Distance 83km | Climbing 1900m
Host Islands Cres
Start Location Merag
Finish Location Cres
Small gaps can mean big changes in the overall standings.
Unije | Individual Time Trial. Short, fast and deceptive, the Unije time trial is all about power and precision. Riders climb from sea level to scenic high points before sweeping descents and fast island tracks take over. Passing cliffs, a historic lighthouse and the island’s tiny airport, this stage is a unique contrast to the longer marathon days.
Friday, 17 April 2026
SMALL GAPS MEANS BIG CHANGES
Distance 23km | Climbing 350m
Host Islands Unije
Start Location Unije
Finish Location Unije
A fitting final challenge, tough, technical and unforgettable.
The grand finale blends urban MTB racing with technical island trails. From the historic harbor of Mali Lošinj to rocky summits and cliff-side singletracks, this stage tests everything riders have left. Fast descents, technical climbs and coastal cruising lead riders back to the finish line for a memorable conclusion to the 4Islands Epic 2026.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
ISLAND FIERCE. A DAY YOU WON'T FORGET
Distance 42km | Climbing 1000m
Host Islands Lošinj
Start Location Mali Lošinj
Finish Location Mali Lošinj
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