The Bold Attack That Secured a Podium Finish in Croatia

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Let's talk about the kind of racing move that makes you lean forward in your chair. With just over 24 miles to go in a brutal stage of the CRO Race, Slovenian climber Domen Novak decided the time was now. He launched a bold, solo attack for UAE Team Emirates-XRG that would ultimately define the day. It wasn't just a hopeful dig; it was a decisive statement. Novak, sensing a moment of hesitation in the select group of leaders, went all-in. The gamble? To hold off the world-class chasers behind him on the punishing Croatian roads. ### The Strategy Behind the Solo Move What goes through a rider's mind in a moment like that? It's a complex calculation of pain, position, and possibility. Novak had to believe his climbing legs were stronger than anyone else's in that front group. He had to trust his endurance over the final distance. And most of all, he had to ignore the voice that says it's too far, too soon. This wasn't just physical; it was a massive mental play. His teammate, Tim Wellens, had set the stage just a day before with his own third-place finish on stage 3. Now, it was Novak's turn to shine. The team strategy was clearly working, putting multiple riders in contention and keeping the pressure high on their rivals. ### The Final Kilometers The last part of a long breakaway is pure agony. Every pedal stroke burns, and the chasing pack feels like it's breathing down your neck. Novak had to manage his effort perfectly: - **Pacing:** Going too hard too early would mean blowing up before the line. - **Focus:** Ignoring the fatigue and staying concentrated on his technique. - **Desire:** Simply wanting it more than the riders chasing him. He held on. As the finish line approached, he had just enough left to sprint from the reduced group that finally caught him, securing that hard-fought third place on the stage. It was a brilliant display of courage and calculation. Meanwhile, Wellens was busy too, navigating the main field to protect his own overall third place in the general classification heading into the race's final two stages. Having two teammates on the podium in consecutive days is a huge boost for any squad. > "Sometimes you have to roll the dice and see what happens. Today, it paid off." – The mindset of a stage racer. ### What This Means for UAE Team Emirates-XRG This result is about more than just one podium spot. It sends a powerful message to the rest of the peloton. This team is confident, they're aggressive, and they have multiple cards to play. When you have different riders capable of winning on different stages, it makes you incredibly dangerous. Opponents can't just mark one person; they have to worry about the entire squad. For Novak, this is a well-earned reward. A podium in a UCI ProSeries race like the CRO Race validates the hard work, the sacrifices, and the belief. It builds momentum. For the team, it builds morale and proves their tactical plans can work under pressure. As the race heads toward its conclusion, all eyes will be on the overall standings. Wellens is in a fantastic position, and the team has shown it has the firepower to support him. The final two stages will be a thrilling watch, full of tactical battles and, undoubtedly, a few more bold attacks. Because that's what racing is all about.