The Bold Move That Nearly Stole the Show at CRO Race

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Sometimes, the best stories aren't about the winner. They're about the rider who dared to shake things up. ### A Brave Attack with 24 Miles to Go Stage 4 of the CRO Race saw Domen Novak of UAE Team Emirates-XRG launch a gutsy solo move with about 24 miles (39km) remaining. It was the kind of move that makes you lean forward in your chair. The Slovenian climber didn't wait for the perfect moment—he created it. Behind him, the peloton hesitated. That hesitation was all he needed. Novak opened a gap and held it, pushing hard on the pedals. In the end, he was caught, but he still had enough left to sprint to third place from a select group. A well-earned result, no doubt. ### Building on Momentum Just a day earlier, Tim Wellens—Novak's teammate—had taken third on stage 3. So this wasn't a fluke. UAE Team Emirates-XRG was riding with intent, and it showed. Wellens kept his third place overall, setting up an exciting finale. What does this mean for the team? It means they're not just defending—they're attacking. And in cycling, that's how you win hearts and races. > "You have to take risks if you want to be in the mix," Novak said afterward. "Today it didn't stick, but we showed we're not afraid to try." That attitude? It's contagious. ### Why This Matters for the Final Stages With two stages left, the general classification is still wide open. Wellens sits third overall, and Novak's aggression could pay off later. Teams that attack early often reap rewards when others are tired. For fans, it's a reminder that cycling isn't just about watts and tactics. It's about guts. And Novak had plenty of that on stage 4. - **Novak's attack:** 24 miles to go, held off the peloton for a while - **Result:** 3rd on the stage, from a select group - **Overall:** Wellens remains 3rd, team morale high - **What's next:** Two stages left, anything can happen If you love underdog stories, keep an eye on this team. They're writing one stage at a time.