The Emirates News Agency reported that UAE Team Emirates-XRG retained the CRO Race lead after the second stage of the six-day event. Juan Sebastián Molano secured third place in a bunch sprint that saw him collect additional time bonuses while protecting his position at the top of the general classification. This result follows his stage one victory underlining the squad’s strong form at the start of the race that covers more than 940 kilometres across Croatia.
According to the team’s official update Carl-Frederik Bévort claimed the stage honours in Novalja after a fast 114.5-kilometre leg from Biograd na Moru. Nicolas Gojković finished second to delight the home crowd while Molano’s podium spot ensured he stayed in the leader’s jersey by a narrow margin. Tim Wellens also featured prominently by gaining valuable bonus seconds that could influence the outcome of later mountain stages.
Historical records from the CRO Race indicate that UAE Team Emirates-XRG won the event in 2024 and 2025 with rider Brandon McNulty. The squad secured the overall title in both editions through strong all-round performances across varied terrain. This year’s lineup features a mix of experience and youth including Wellens as a general classification contender alongside sprint specialist Molano.
The race a UCI Europe Tour 2.1 event attracts top international teams and showcases Croatia’s diverse landscapes from coastal routes to inland climbs. Organisers have designed a balanced parcours with opportunities for sprinters climbers and time trial specialists over the remaining four stages. The defending champions have signaled their intent to secure a third consecutive victory through consistent racing.
Speaking after the stage Molano said “I was there in the sprint and third place means we keep the leader’s jersey so overall we can be happy.” He added that the team is in a good position with Wellens having taken bonus seconds that could be important later in the week. The Colombian noted the squad would recover ahead of a more challenging third stage.
The third stage on September 24 takes riders from Krk to Labin over 174.5 kilometres in what is expected to be a hilly test for the general classification contenders. Subsequent stages will include mountain and flat finishes leading to the traditional conclusion in Zagreb. The Emirates squad will aim to build on its early advantage as the race progresses toward its conclusion on September 27.
