Everyone was a winner on April 17, 2016, when the fourth and final stage of epic 4 Islands race finished. More than 420 cyclists rode through 200 kilometers of tracks over four of the most beautiful Adriatic islands. The riders were from 25 countries, had 130 people in their backup teams and the organization had 100 people working the race!
Krk, Lošinj, Cres, and Rab saw what it's like host one of the biggest new cycling events in Europe and they were amazed. Just like the riders who fell in love with the scenery and organization, tourism saw a huge boost as hungry, thirsty and tired cyclists flocked to the restaurants, bars, and cafes every evening to refuel and recharge.
Overall winners from Europe, Africa, Croatia, and Russia
A Russian „Serpantin cycling team“ duo Yuri Isaev and Eduard Shgeev took victory in the class of men over 45, team „Češka sporitelna – Accolade“ and Matouš Ulman with Pavel Boudny won in the category men under 45. Mix team category was won by a South African team „Hi – tec / USN“ and riders Martin Dreyer with Jeannie Dreyet. The only Croatian overall winners were in women's category. Team „Adrenalina Giant Woman Team“ with riders Gorana Težak and Zorana Težak finished first with a total of 13 hours and 13 minutes of ride time for all four stages.
Tour of 4Islands
With its second 4Islands race, the crew behind the "Adria Bike" brand successfully created what was just a few years ago only a dream. 4Islands quickly became the "IT" race of Southern Europe. Located on the most beautiful Adriatic coast islands, the race takes riders through ancient ruins, old villages, domesticated fields, friendly orchards and along the miles of old stone drywalls. Racing through the "moon" highlands of Baška, or alongside lakes in Cres and over the Rab hilltops is what makes this race unique.
A quick beer and great Mediterranean food in the evening fuel you just about right for a full night's sleep before the next stage in the morning.
As the organizers would say:
"We won’t say this is the toughest race ever…it’s probably not! But we know it’s not often that you experience such diversity of the terrain, sharp and steep climbs and fast and technically demanding descents where only the bravest will let the brakes all the way.
We won’t say that this is the most beautiful race…beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. But it’s the race along single trails on the coastline with steep climbs to the mountain tops awarding bikers with magnificent views of unspoiled nature and villages over thousand years old….Oh yes…we definitely can say this race is one of the most beautiful in the world!"
