Team Novo Nordisk to wrap 2024 season in Japan

Time flies and the end of the 2024 racing season is here for Team Novo Nordisk as the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team aim to sign off in style at the Utsunomiya Japan Cup on Sunday.

The experience and skill of Spanish climber and leader for the race David Lozano will be crucial and strong support comes in the form of Kiwi Hamish Beadle and Manxman Sam Brand.

“Wow. Another season has passed already,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “Here we are concluding another year at one of our favorite races, the Japan Cup. There’s no better way for us to wrap up than here in Japan, the fans are special, the atmosphere is always incredible and the support we receive
from our sponsors Novo Nordisk is second to none.”

“The last race of the season is also the last chance for our riders to perform. To
show themselves and achieve a result. I understand the feeling that already have one foot in the off season, but we need to remain focused and driven until after the race has finished in Utsunomiya on Sunday. Then we can take a break and reset, but not before.”

Belgiums Quinten de Graeve and Veronese Umberto Poli complete the team alongside our stagiaire from the TNN devo team Anton Muller.

“I love racing here in Japan,” said Lozano. “We all know how special the reception is here for all teams, and it’s a unique way for us to the end season in this atmosphere.”

“Sunday’s road race is my kind of terrain and after getting some racing rhythm back in Taihu Lake last week I’m aiming for another good performance here in Utsunomiya. Of course we want to end the season on a high and it’s a very strong field lining up this year, but that just adds to the challenge in a positive way!”

As usual the weekends action kicks off with a late afternoon criterium in downtown Utsunomiya on Saturday – where Beadle sprinted to an impressive fourth place last year – followed by Sunday’s all important road race.

Team Novo Nordisk at Japan Cup, 19th – 20th October:

Hamish Beadle (NZ, 26)
Sam Brand (GBR, 33)
Quinten De Graeve (BEL, 23)
David Lozano (ESP, 35)
Anton Muller (FRA, 26)
Umberto Poli (IT, 28)