One of the most exciting MTB races in the world – 4 Islands MTB Stage Race – has just begun in Mali Lošinj, bringing a touch of world-class sporting spectacle to the Croatian coast.

Spectacular start from the heart of Mali Lošinj

This morning, April 16, 2025, Republic of Croatia Square in Mali Lošinj was filled with true sporting euphoria. It was right here, in front of numerous assembled visitors and local residents, that the jubilee, tenth edition of the internationally recognized mountain bike race, 4 Islands MTB Stage Race, started. This exceptional race, for the first time in its history, starts from Mali Lošinj – a place recognized as a symbol of healthy living, natural beauty, and outdoor tourism. The local community, as well as numerous guests, welcomed over 500 cyclists from 41 countries, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

For all those looking for accommodation in Mali Lošinj during this exciting event, the options are numerous and tailored to different wishes and needs.

4 Islands – a synonym for an MTB challenge in the heart of the Adriatic

The 4 Islands MTB Stage Race is known as one of the most demanding and beautiful stage mountain bike races in Europe. This year, from April 15 to 19, competitors will ride 270 kilometers of technically challenging trails over five days, with more than 6000 meters of total ascent. The routes pass through the Kvarner islands – Lošinj, Cres, Krk and, for the first time, Unije – an island whose wild and untouched nature presents an additional challenge even for the most experienced MTB enthusiasts.

What makes this race unique is that it is ridden in pairs – teams of two people compete side by side in different categories, including Elite, Masters, and Mix categories. This year, 12% of the competitors are women, and the average age of all participants is 46 years, which speaks to the breadth of the audience this race attracts. Almost 95% of all competitors come from abroad, with the largest numbers coming from the Republic of South Africa, Switzerland, Spain, the USA, and Germany.

Mali Lošinj – the new MTB metropolis

Mali Lošinj was not chosen by chance as the new starting point for this major sporting spectacle. The city is increasingly positioning itself as a leading destination for active and sustainable tourism, especially through the promotion of cycling, hiking, trail running, and other forms of outdoor activities. According to Dalibor Cvitković, director of the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj, this event has multiple values: sporting, promotional, and ecological.

“We welcome participants from all over the world to the island of vitality, where, in addition to adrenaline and challenges, they will have the opportunity to experience our hospitality, clean air, and magnificent landscapes,” says Cvitković. Hosting such an event fits perfectly into the destination's sustainable development strategy, making Mali Lošinj the perfect starting point for a cycling adventure through Kvarner.

More information about the stay and available options can be found on the page for accommodation in Mali Lošinj.

A competition that transcends sport

Besides providing a challenge for experienced cyclists, the 4 Islands MTB Stage Race plays a significant role in strengthening the recognition of Croatian islands on the world map of sports tourism. On this occasion, the Kvarner islands not only serve as a stage for top sports performance but also as an inspiration for all those who want to combine an active holiday with the beauty of nature. Each island brings its own uniqueness: the technical rocky Krk, the steep Cres, the playful Lošinj, and now the isolated Unije – all together creating an unforgettable experience for both competitors and spectators.

Race sold out in record time

The interest in participation was enormous – all places were sold out in less than a month after registration opened. The race is part of the prestigious Epic Series, a global MTB league that includes the most elite stage races in the world. This status further raises the level of organization, media visibility, and professionalism, making 4 Islands one of the most important sporting events on the Croatian Adriatic.

Environmental sustainability and local value

The race organizers pay extreme attention to the preservation of the natural environment. All participants are obliged to respect strict rules of conduct in nature, and the trails are repaired after the race and remain available to recreational users and cyclists throughout the year. This further strengthens the tourist offer and activates an area that offers attractive content for all ages and guest profiles even outside the main tourist season.

Local communities, caterers, renters, and sports enthusiasts benefit greatly from this event, as the race has a strong economic and promotional effect in addition to its sporting aspect. The increased number of overnight stays, visits to restaurants, and media presence in numerous foreign publications make this race one of the most important spring events in the region.

For visitors who are still planning to visit the island during the race, we recommend checking the available accommodation capacities in Mali Lošinj and securing a place in the heart of the event.

What else awaits us?

The first stage, taking place today in Mali Lošinj, leads cyclists through narrow rocky paths, fragrant pine forests, and breathtaking views. Tomorrow, the action moves to the island of Cres, where riders can expect fast and technically demanding sections, while the finale on the island of Krk will bring a spectacular conclusion.

The weather forecast for the coming days is favorable, which further guarantees exciting stages and a great atmosphere. Organizers, volunteers, and local institutions are making maximum efforts to ensure everything runs smoothly – from participant safety, through logistics, to media coverage.

For more information about the MTB race and accommodation options, don't forget to check the offer of accommodation in Mali Lošinj.