Stage 4 of the CRO Race covers 160 kilometres from Pula to Rijeka on a hilly profile that culminates in a flat finish — the classic recipe for either a reduced bunch sprint or a late break being reeled in just before the line. The terrain will thin the peloton and reward riders who combine solid hills ability with a sharp sprint, making pure climbers unlikely winners unless they go very early. At 2.Pro level the racing is expected to be aggressive, with teams targeting stage wins in the absence of a dominant GC favourite.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Paul Magnier stands alone as the favourite. Four victories in comparable hilly-flat stages in recent weeks — including stage wins in the Tour de Slovaquie and the Deutschland Tour — give him a record that no other rider in this field can match. His combination of hills ability and an elite sprint means he is equipped for virtually any scenario this stage produces.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Paul Magnier is the standout favourite coming into this stage, having won stage 2 of the Tour de Slovaquie, stage 1 of the Tour de Slovaquie, stage 5 of the Deutschland Tour, and stage 1 of the Cyclassics Hamburg in recent similar-profile races — an astonishing four wins from his last batch of comparable outings. His combination of strong hills ability and an elite sprint makes him near-unbeatable when a reduced group contests a flat finish after hilly terrain.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Rui Oliveira and Tim Torn Teutenberg are the most credible threats to Magnier. Both have recent wins in similar-profile races, multiple top-5s, and the tactical nous to time their effort over a hilly run-in to a flat finish. Either could take the stage on the right day.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Rui Oliveira arrives with a win in stage 11 of the Volta a Portugal, two top-3s, and four top-5s in similar-profile races, underscoring his ability to time a move at a hilly-flat finish. His solid sprint means he is dangerous in any reduced bunch scenario.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Tim Torn Teutenberg took victory in stage 1 of the Philadelphia Cycling Class p/b AmeriGas ME and has collected two top-3s and four top-5s in comparable races recently, showing consistent punch at finishes that suit hard riders. His profile fits this stage perfectly and he represents Lidl-Trek's best card on the day.
★★
Dark Horses
Tim Wellens, Nils Politt, and Danny van Poppel form a dangerous second tier. Wellens is the most versatile all-rounder in this group and can contribute both in the hills and at the line; Politt brings a recent stage win in comparable conditions; van Poppel's elite sprint could be decisive if a larger group arrives together in Rijeka.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Danny van Poppel brings an elite sprint to a stage that could end in a reduced bunch, and his two top-3s and two top-5s in similar-profile races show he can survive enough to contest finishes of this type. Red Bull - BORA's resources give him a capable lead-out platform.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Nils Politt won stage 5 of the Tour of Britain in a similar-profile race recently and also has high cobbles ability that translates well to punchy, technical racing. His one win, one top-3, and one top-10 in comparable outings signal live threat status for any reduced-field sprint.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Tim Wellens is among the most complete riders in this field for a hilly stage with a flat finish, and his recent record includes a top-3 and three top-10s in similar-profile events. The Legendary UAE Emirates rider thrives when races are whittled down by undulating terrain before a bunch-sprint or small-group finish.
★
Ones to Watch
Antonio Tiberi and Edoardo Zambanini are the best GC-type candidates who could benefit from a stage that splinters the peloton, while Storm Ingebrigtsen's recent win in the Tour of Denmark keeps him in contention as a surprise attacker. Lennard Kämna is included as a wildcard whose climbing ability could power an early move if the tactical situation demands it.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Antonio Tiberi is one of the top hills and climbing specialists in this field, and his three top-10s in similar-profile races suggest he can get into the right move. Heading into Il Lombardia later in the season he arrives in good shape, though winning a flat finish in a group sprint is not his primary skill.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Edoardo Zambanini has two top-5s in comparable races and rates highly across hills and climbing, making him a credible selection if the stage splits hard. He is one to watch for an opportunistic result if he finds himself in the right break.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Lennard Kämna is one of the better climbers and hills riders in this field, and his Lidl-Trek team adds tactical depth. He has not featured strongly in recent similar-profile race results but his raw ability on hilly terrain makes him worth monitoring if a small group goes clear before Rijeka.
Uno-X Mobility
Uno-X Mobility
Storm Ingebrigtsen won stage 4 of the Tour of Denmark in a similar-profile race and has shown he can read a race well on rolling terrain. His stats are slightly lower than the top names, but his recent win keeps him in the frame as an outsider.
Verdict
Paul Magnier, backed by four recent wins in similar-profile races, is the clear top favourite to take the stage in Rijeka. Rui Oliveira and Tim Torn Teutenberg are his most dangerous rivals, while Tim Wellens and a resurgent Nils Politt lurk as threats if the final group is larger than expected.