Germans Egger & Baum take stage win, women's duo Janas & Ames win again at 4Islands Croatia

The opening stage of the 4Islands Croatia on the Croatian island of Krk offered almost perfect conditions over 78 kilometers of racing. The men's race started immediately with BUFF MEGAMO shining in the yellow leader jerseys and Orbea x Leatt x Speed Company leading the peloton on the first climbs and on the famous Moon Plateau. The pace proved too much for BUFF MEGAMO's Drechou and the pair was forced to slow down, allowing Egger and Baum to push on to the stage win. Just under five minutes later, a sprint for second and third place occurred as BUFF MEGAMO and KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes took the final corner and headed for the finish line. Hans Becking crossed the finish line first of the four, with Drechou third, securing second place on the stage and overall ahead of Lorenzo Samparsi and Dario Cherchi. Stage 1 was another exciting day in the women's category at 4Islands MTB Croatia. Janas and Ames, equipped with their orange CIOVITA leader jerseys, rode the rest of the stage alone, so they could enjoy the new route without too much threat from their competitors. After 03:48:22, they crossed the finish line in Baška with their hands held high, celebrating a double victory.