Domen Novak's Bold Attack: What Really Happened on Stage 4?

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Domen Novak didn't just ride stage 4 of the CRO Race. He turned it into a statement. With 39km to go, the Slovenian climber launched a daring attack for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and when the dust settled, he crossed the line in third place. It was the kind of move that reminds you why bike racing is so unpredictable — and so thrilling. ### A Day After Wellens, Another Teammate Steps Up Just 24 hours earlier, Tim Wellens had taken third on stage 3. So when Novak went clear on stage 4, it felt like the team was building something. Wellens kept his third place overall, and suddenly UAE Team Emirates-XRG had momentum heading into the final two stages. Novak's attack wasn't a wild gamble. It was calculated. He waited for the right moment, then went. A select group formed behind him, and he still had enough left to sprint for third. That's not luck — that's fitness and nerve. ### Why This Result Matters More Than It Looks Third place might not sound like a headline grabber. But context changes everything. The CRO Race is a tough, hilly stage race, and stage 4 had enough climbing to break things apart. For Novak, a climber, this was a chance to show he can mix it up in a reduced bunch sprint after a hard day. - He attacked with 39km to go — a long way out, especially on a stage with a tricky finale. - He held off a chase from a select group of strong riders. - He still had the legs to sprint for the podium. That combination doesn't happen by accident. It's the kind of ride that earns respect in the peloton and gives the team options for the remaining stages. ### The Bigger Picture for UAE Team Emirates-XRG With Wellens sitting third overall and Novak showing this kind of form, the team is in a good spot. The final two stages could see more aggressive racing. Teams without a GC contender will be looking for stage wins. UAE Team Emirates-XRG, meanwhile, can play both cards — protect Wellens or send Novak up the road again. As Novak told reporters after the stage, "I felt good, so I went. The team believed in me, and I'm happy to reward that." That quote sums up the day: simple, honest, and exactly what you want to hear from a rider who took a risk. ### What to Watch in the Final Two Stages If you're following the CRO Race, keep an eye on how the team manages its resources. Wellens needs to defend his podium spot, but Novak's move proved that the squad isn't afraid to animate the race. That balance — protecting and attacking — is what makes cycling so fascinating. For Novak, this third place is more than a result. It's a signal. He came to this race to work for others, but days like this show he can deliver when given the chance. And for fans, it's a reminder that the best moments often come from riders who aren't the headline names. So no, Domen Novak didn't win stage 4. But he made it memorable. And sometimes that's just as valuable.