A good 270 kilometres of racing distance and 5000 metres of altitude in four stages on four different Croatian islands in the Adriatic. For trained marathon racers, the 4 Islands MTB Stage Race sounds more like a holiday than a stage race. But even if the holiday factor is not neglected with the picturesque towns and scenery, the 4 Islands is a real stage race with a very special charm and not for the faint-hearted, as Henri Lesewitz discovered in a self-experiment in 2016.
High proportion of trails, sharp rocks, steep climbs
The event, which is deliberately kept small with 300 teams (600 starters), is quite a challenge. The climbs are not incredibly long, but they are all the steeper. The proportion of trails is very high for a stage race, as is the technicality of the riding. The small islands consist almost exclusively of razor-sharp rocks, thousands of which can be found in the deep metres of the race. Nevertheless, the flow is not neglected and the short stages are no reason to complain. After all, the race takes place in April, shortly after the winter break.
The concept of the 4 Islands MTB Stage Race will not change fundamentally in 2017 either. The smooth organisation of the last two years can be counted on again in 2017, even if the event is growing slightly with a maximum of 300 teams. For 300 or 350 euros per participant (depending on when you register), the race offers panoramic views, riding fun and well-groomed thigh torture. Catering, organisational costs, transfers, medical support, etc. are already included in the entry fee.
The race will take place from 19-22 April 2017 on the islands of Krk, Rab, Cres and Lošinji in Croatia. The registration fee is 300 or 350 euros per person, depending on when you register. The race starts in teams of two.
Further information and registration can be found on the organiser's website. www.adriabike.hr
Adrian Kaether
Editor
