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.’
“Croatia has been working diligently on growing its presence as a top riding destination, both recreational and competitive,” said Dubravko Šimenc of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
“The 4Islands MTB Stage Race is a prime example of how competitive cycling provides a great opportunity to promote Croatia as an excellent destination year-round, whether one opts to attend as a spectator or try cycling for themselves in the shoulder season.
“We are pleased that Croatia’s 4Islands MTB Stage Race will highlight four of our amazing islands and look forward to this race continuing in the future.”
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.”
Tomislav Zobec, 4Islands MTB Stage Race Founder, said “We are exceptionally honoured as well as proud of the fact that 4Islands became a member of the Epic Series. The vision and enthusiasm invested in the project has been recognised and awarded proving once again that we should always follow our dreams.”
The 2022 4Islands MTB Stage Race is set to take place in April 2022 and will feature five racing categories, in addition to the UCI Elite men and UCI Elite women:
Open Men (including UCI)
Open Women (including UCI)
Masters (40-49 years)
Grand Masters (50+ years)
Mixed (both riders over 18 years)
Riders can qualify to race the Absa Cape Epic by registering their interest while signing up for the 2022 4 Islands MTB Stage Race.
www.4islandsmtb.com
www.epic-series.com
www.ironman.com
