World's First All-diabetes Professional Cycling Team Gears up for Season's First Race with New Line-up

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Novo Nordisk

16 Jan, 2014, 08:00 GMT

SAN LUIS, Argentina, January 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --



For consumer and medical media. This document is intended for non US journalists.

Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team, starts its second season on 20 January at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina, with four talented new riders and even higher aspirations.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120911/559804 )

The men's professional cycling team is at the forefront of Team Novo Nordisk, a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners. The team's mission is to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes.

"We can't wait to start what will hopefully be a busy and exciting season. In 2014 we aim to build on our early successes and are determined to show the world that when you have diabetes you can still achieve your goals and live the way you want," said Phil Southerland, co-founder and CEO, Team Novo Nordisk.

The Tour de San Luis, a competitive seven-day race, is part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) American Tour. The race boasts a strong line-up, with 12 WorldTour and four pro continental teams confirmed, including Team Novo Nordisk, totalling 150 riders. Held annually during Argentina's summer season, the race includes more than 1,030 km of racing with three summit finishes, a time trial in the city of San Luis and a classic sprint on the final day, as well as further road race stages.

Jakob Riis, executive vice president, Marketing & Medical Affairs, Novo Nordisk, said: "As part of our long-standing programme, Changing Diabetes®, Team Novo Nordisk is making a huge contribution to the goal of raising broad awareness of the diabetes pandemic, and further inspiring millions of people living with diabetes across the world."

Since its launch in December 2012, Team Novo Nordisk has competed in more than 55 races, spanning more than 9,500 km across 15 countries, meeting and inspiring thousands of people with diabetes across the world. Results from 2013 were promising for a new and young team, achieving three podium finishes, and a mountain and sprint jersey.

The new team line-up includes 17 all-diabetes professional riders from 10 different countries. New team members include Ben Dilley from the USA, Charles Planet and Nicolas Lefrancois from France, and Rudd Cremers from The Netherlands.

Team Novo Nordisk

The Team Novo Nordisk professional men's cycling team roster for 2014 includes:

Stephen Clancy (Ireland), Paolo Cravanzola (Italy), Ruud Cremers (The Netherlands), Kevin De Mesmaeker (Belgium), Ben Dilley (USA), Joe Eldridge (USA), Joonas Henttala (Finland), Nicolas Lefrancois (France), David Lozano Riba (Spain), Javier Megias Leal (Spain), Justin Morris (Australia), Aaron Perry (New Zealand), Andrea Peron (Italy), Thomas Raeymaekers (Belgium), Charles Planet (France), Martijn Verschoor (The Netherlands) and Chris Williams (Australia).

More information on the team can be found online.

About Changing Diabetes

Today, 382 million people are living with diabetes, which is predicted to rise to 592 million in less than 25 years.[1] Changing Diabetes® is the Novo Nordisk global commitment to improve conditions for the millions of people who live with diabetes around the world today, and those who are at risk of developing diabetes tomorrow.

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit novonordisk.co.uk.

Notes to editor:

Team biographies, backgrounder and photography available on request.

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References

  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 6th Edition, 2013 Update. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation. Available from: http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas. Last accessed: November 2013.

APROM ID#: 5830 
Date of Approval: December – 2013
UK/CD/1113/0081
Date of preparation November 2013

SOURCE Novo Nordisk