The Dark Horse of Stage 4: How Domen Novak Stunned the CRO Race

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Domen Novak didn't just ride stage 4 of the CRO Race. He attacked it. With 39km to go, the Slovenian climber launched a bold move for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and when the dust settled, he crossed the line in third place. It was the kind of ride that makes you sit up and pay attention. ### A Team Riding on Momentum Just one day earlier, Tim Wellens had taken third on stage 3. So when Novak went clear on stage 4, it felt less like a lucky break and more like a team executing a plan. Wellens held onto his third place overall, and suddenly UAE Team Emirates-XRG had two riders to watch with only two stages left. That's not luck. That's depth. ### The Attack That Changed the Race With 39km remaining, most riders are thinking about survival. Novak was thinking about the podium. He jumped from the peloton, and a select group had to respond. In the end, only a handful could match the pace, and Novak still had enough left to sprint to third. Here's what stood out: - He attacked early enough to matter, not just for a consolation prize - He held his form on the run-in, which is where many bold moves fall apart - He delivered a result that backed up his teammate's effort the day before You don't see that combination every week. ### Why This Matters Beyond the Result Stage racing is often about managing energy and waiting for the right moment. Novak did the opposite. He forced the race to react to him. "Sometimes you have to race with your gut, not just your legs," Novak said afterward. "The team believed in me, and I had to try." That mindset is contagious. When one rider takes a risk and it works, the whole squad rides with more confidence. Wellens now heads into the final two stages with his podium position intact, and Novak has proven he's more than just a support rider. ### What to Watch Next The CRO Race isn't over. Two stages remain, and the general classification is still tight. Wellens needs to defend third. Novak has shown he can shake things up. And UAE Team Emirates-XRG looks like a team that isn't content to sit back and wait. If you're following the race, keep an eye on how other teams respond. They now have two threats to mark instead of one. That changes everything. For fans of cycling tactics, this is the good stuff. A climber attacking with 39km to go, a teammate holding steady in the overall, and a squad that's willing to take chances. That's how races are won, and sometimes, how legends quietly begin.