A fast and explosive final stage brings the 4Islands Epic 2026 to a dramatic conclusion. Mechanical issues, late attacks, and constant pressure define the race day, but after five stages across the Croatian islands, consistency ultimately decides the overall victory. 

The Buff-BH Team, as the overall leader, comes under immediate pressure. A front-wheel mechanical sets them back, and suddenly they find themselves chasing the leaders with a deficit of over a minute. At the front, the Orbea Speed Company Racing Team once again sets the pace and attacks aggressively to secure another stage victory.

But Stage 5 brings a twist. Technical issues fundamentally change the race. The Singer KTM Racing Team loses all chances of a podium finish due to a broken chain, while a late mechanical also costs Orbea Speed Company the victory. The Klimatiza Orbea Team remains calm amid the chaos and seizes its opportunity. Marc Stutzmann and Samuele Porro ride tactically smart and secure the stage victory with perfect timing in 1:41:41.5. The Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team finishes second (+12.3) and thus celebrates its first podium of the week, while Buff-BH fights back strongly, limits the damage, and crosses the finish line in third place (+24.2).

Despite the setbacks, the Buff-BH Team meets exactly the demands of a stage race. Across five challenging stages, Wout Alleman and Martin Stošek combine tactical discipline with consistent performance. They respond to high-pressure situations, avoid critical time losses, and remain consistent throughout the week, securing the overall victory at the 4Islands Epic 2026. Behind them, the Orbea Speed Company Racing Team takes second place overall after an aggressive week of racing, while the Klimatiza Orbea Team completes the podium in third place with a consistent performance.

In the women’s race, the question looms ahead of the final stage: Can the Torpado Kenda FSA Team pull off a perfect week? The answer is clear. Katarzyna Sosna and Giorgia Marchet remain unbeatable on the final stage as well. They control the race and launch the decisive attack on the final technical sections to secure their fifth consecutive stage victory. Team KTM Sparta powered by Brenta Brakes finishes second again, thereby securing second place overall, while Metallurgica Veneta Pro Next Ride rounds out the podium in third and also rides to third place in the general classification.

Results