How a Bold 24-Mile Attack Changed This Rider's Race

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Domen Novak didn't wait for the final climb. He didn't sit in the bunch and hope for a sprint. Instead, the Slovenian rider for UAE Team Emirates-XRG launched an attack with 24 miles still to race on stage 4 of the CRO Race — and it worked beautifully. He crossed the line in third place, a result that felt bigger than the number suggests. His teammate Tim Wellens had taken third on stage 3 the day before, so this was back-to-back podiums for the team. More importantly, Wellens kept his third place overall with just two stages left. So what made Novak's ride so impressive? Let's break it down. ### The Attack That Split the Race With 24 miles to go, most riders are thinking about positioning, not attacking. But Novak saw an opening and took it. The move shattered the peloton and left a small select group at the front. That's the kind of racing that separates the brave from the cautious. Novak didn't just follow wheels — he forced everyone else to react. And when the group came back together for the sprint, he still had enough left to take third. As Novak put it after the stage: *"Sometimes you have to gamble. I felt good, the legs were there, and I didn't want to regret not trying."* ### Why This Matters for the Team UAE Team Emirates-XRG isn't just chasing stage wins. They're building momentum. Two third-place finishes in two days shows the squad is riding with confidence and depth. - Wellens holds third overall, a strong position heading into the final weekend. - Novak proved he can animate a race, not just support his leaders. - The team's aggressive tactics are putting pressure on rivals. That kind of teamwork doesn't happen by accident. It comes from riders who trust each other and a plan that gives everyone a chance to shine. ### What's Next for the CRO Race Two stages remain, and the general classification is still tight. Wellens will need to defend his podium spot, while other teams will try to shake things up. Novak's ride on stage 4 might not have won the day, but it sent a message: this team races to win, not just to survive. And in a sport where seconds matter, that mindset can be the difference between a good week and a great one. For fans watching from home, it's a reminder that cycling rewards courage. You don't always need to be the strongest — you just need to be willing to try. So keep an eye on the final two stages. If Novak's attack taught us anything, it's that the race is never over until the line.