Redlands Bicycle Classic

Following their opening races in Greece, the Team Novo Nordisk Development Team crossed the Atlantic for their next block of competition. Their kicked it off with the first stage of the 5 day stage race Redlands Bicycle Classic in sunny California.

Development Team General Manager Daniel Holt:

“The first stage consisted of a technical 4km course with a 300-meter steep uphill and a fast descent with many turns. I told the team they should try to keep a good position so they wouldn’t have to make such hard accelerations to catch up after the turns. If our sprinters were still there, they should have tried to work together.”

“Anton, Jacopo, and Josh put in strong rides, staying out of trouble throughout the race.”

Stage 2 of the Redlands Bicycle Classic was a tough one for Team Novo Nordisk Development Team. The short but hilly course of the Queen stage challenged the riders.

Development Team General Manager Daniel Holt:

“It was a new course with 20km flat in the city, followed by a 20km climb at 5%, then another 10km flat. To finish it off, there was a brutal 20km climb at 6%. Basically, the riders faced 2200 meters of climbing in one shot!”

“With such a challenging course, there was no room for a specific strategy. Everyone just had to push as hard as they could to stay with the lead group for as long as possible. The short stage meant there was a 20% time cut, so no one could afford to take it easy.”

“Despite the difficulty, the team performed well. All the riders did a great job today. Jacopo (Colladon) even managed to stay with the main group until the final kilometer of the climb!”

Stage 3 of the Redlands Bicycle Classic was an individual time trial, stretching nearly 20 kilometers.

Development Team General Manager Daniel Holt:

“The riders faced a technical layout with significant wind and a punchy climb. It demanded a full-gas effort from everyone, especially considering the 20% time cut.”

“Josh emerged as the team’s top finisher today, putting in a good ride.”

Day 4 of the Redlands Bicycle Classic was a 90-minute criterium, the first one for Team Novo Nordisk Development Team this year.

Development Team General Manager:

“This was a technical course, but normally the GC leading team controls it, and it’s a field sprint. I told the guys they should just hide in the draft the entire race, then try to position and help each other for the field sprint.”

“Przemek (Kotulski) looked great throughout the race, showing great form. While he lost some ground during a couple of moments, he remained strong until the big crash at the end that neutralized the race.”