Domen Novak's Bold Attack Secures Third in CRO Race

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

Sometimes the best stories aren't about winning. They're about the guts it takes to try. And that's exactly what Domen Novak gave us on stage 4 of the CRO Race. The Slovenian climber, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, launched a fearless attack with just 24 miles (39km) to go. He didn't hold back. He didn't wait for the perfect moment. He just went for it. That kind of move takes courage. And while he didn't take the top spot, his third-place finish from a select group of riders felt like a victory in its own right. ### A Team Riding on Momentum Here's something you don't see every day: back-to-back podium finishes from the same team. Just one day earlier, Tim Wellens grabbed third on stage 3. Then Novak matched him on stage 4. That's not luck. That's a team firing on all cylinders. Wellens also held onto his third place in the general classification, which means UAE Team Emirates-XRG heads into the final two stages with plenty to fight for. What makes this even more impressive? The CRO Race isn't a walk in the park. It's a grueling six-stage event through Croatia's toughest terrain. The climbs are steep. The competition is fierce. Every stage demands something different from the riders. ### Why This Performance Matters Novak's attack wasn't just a random burst of energy. It was a calculated move. He saw an opening, trusted his legs, and committed fully. In cycling, hesitation kills opportunity. You either go or you don't. Novak went. His third-place finish from a reduced group shows he had the legs to back up his ambition. That's the mark of a rider who's growing into his role on one of the sport's biggest stages. For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, this result signals depth. When you can count on multiple riders to deliver podium finishes, you're not just a one-trick pony. You're a threat every single day. ### What's Next for the Team? Two stages remain. Wellens sits third overall. Novak just proved he's got the form to mix it up with the best. The team has options. They can protect Wellens' position or chase more stage wins. Either way, they're in a strong spot. Here's the thing about stage racing: momentum matters. A couple of podiums can shift the entire energy of a team. Riders start believing. Tactics get bolder. And sometimes, that leads to something even bigger. ### The Bottom Line Domen Novak didn't win stage 4. But he raced like someone who believed he could. And honestly? That's what makes cycling worth watching. Not every bold move pays off with a victory. But every bold move tells you something about the rider who made it. Novak showed heart, legs, and tactical awareness. His team showed they're ready to fight through the final weekend. If you're following the CRO Race, keep an eye on UAE Team Emirates-XRG. They're not done yet.