How a Bold 24-Mile Attack Changed Everything for UAE Team Emirates-XRG

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Sometimes the best stories aren't about winning. They're about having the guts to try something nobody expects. That's exactly what happened on stage 4 of the CRO Race. Domen Novak, a Slovenian climber riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, did something that made everyone sit up and pay attention. With about 24 miles still left to race, he launched a solo attack. No hesitation. No waiting for the perfect moment. Just pure instinct and courage. ### The Move That Surprised Everyone Attacking with 24 miles to go is risky. Really risky. Most riders would wait until the final few miles, conserving energy for the sprint finish. But Novak saw an opening and took it. The peloton behind him wasn't about to let him cruise to victory, though. They chased hard, and eventually a select group caught up to him. But here's the thing — Novak didn't fade. He didn't crack under the pressure. Instead, he dug deep and sprinted to third place against some seriously strong competition. That's not just a good result. That's a statement. ### Building on Momentum What makes this even better is the timing. Just one day earlier, Novak's teammate Tim Wellens crossed the line in third place on stage 3. So when Novak matched that result on stage 4, it showed something important: this team isn't relying on one star rider. They've got depth. Wellens kept his third place overall heading into the final two stages, which means UAE Team Emirates-XRG was firing on all cylinders when it mattered most. Here's what stood out from that day: - Novak's attack came with roughly 24 miles remaining — an unusually early move - He held on after being caught, showing strong recovery and sprinting legs - Wellens maintained his overall podium position without losing time - The team proved they can compete on multiple fronts simultaneously ### Why This Matters Beyond the Result In cycling, third place might not sound like a headline-grabbing finish. But context changes everything. When you attack early, get caught, and still manage to sprint onto the podium, that tells you something about a rider's character. Novak isn't the biggest name in the sport. He's not the guy everyone talks about before a race starts. But performances like this? They change narratives. They show directors, fans, and competitors that you belong in the conversation. As Novak himself might put it, sometimes you have to roll the dice. And even when it doesn't result in a win, the effort alone can shift how people see you. > "Courage in cycling isn't about playing it safe. It's about knowing when to gamble — and accepting whatever comes next." ### What's Next for the Team With two stages left, UAE Team Emirates-XRG was in a strong position. Wellens sat third overall, and the team had momentum. Every stage from here would test their legs, their tactics, and their ability to work together under pressure. For Novak, this result was personal validation. For the team, it was proof that their roster runs deep. And for fans watching? It was a reminder of why cycling is such a beautiful sport. The unexpected attacks, the gritty recoveries, the sprint finishes — they all matter. So no, Domen Novak didn't win stage 4. But he gave us something better: a reason to keep watching.