DOB 30-10-1993
AGE OF DIAGNOSIS 10
PROFILE
2025 marks a new chapter for Frenchman Charles Planet as he transitions from professional cycling to a new role as an ambassador for Team Novo Nordisk. After 11 seasons of racing with the team, climbing to the role of captain, and overcoming immense challenges, Planet has decided to continue his journey by inspiring people living with diabetes and proving what’s possible.
Planet’s career was defined by resilience. After a near life-ending crash in early 2022, he dedicated himself to an arduous recovery, determined to return stronger. Despite further setbacks, including another crash in 2023 that required a full reset, Planet continued to embody perseverance and determination. His journey captivated fans and served as a testament to his fighting spirit.
Throughout his career, Planet consistently delivered strong performances. He endured a challenging 2021 season that included health struggles, yet still made a breakaway appearance at Milan-Sanremo and secured a top-ten finish at the Tour of Rhodes. Multiple top-ten finishes in 2020, including standout performances at Circuito de Getxo, Tour de Hongrie, and Okolo Slovenska, reinforced his reputation as a talented all-rounder. His 19th place at the French National Championships on a tough course further highlighted his abilities.
One of Planet’s most remarkable achievements came in 2019 when he made team history at the Tour of Poland, winning the Most Active Rider jersey on the opening stage and defending it until the finish—marking the team’s first WorldTour jersey. That same year, he won the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer ‘Most Courageous Rider’ jersey on Stage 1 of the Tour of California and impressed with breakaway efforts at Milan-Sanremo. His top performances also included fourth on the Prologue and seventh overall at the Tour of Estonia, as well as a top-ten finish in the Tour of Denmark’s Queen Stage.
Planet’s journey into cycling was inspired by his father, a former cyclist. He started competing in mountain bike races at eight years old, but his path took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ten. Initially fearing that his athletic career was over, he found support in his family and resumed his passion for sports. A former Lorraine mountain bike and cyclocross champion, he was also part of the winning team at the 2013 French National Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship.
It was in 2013 that Planet took a leap into professional road racing, reaching out to Team Novo Nordisk with the dream of competing at the highest level. After proving himself as a stagiaire in the United States, where he won the Litespeed BMW Twilight Criterium and finished ninth overall at the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix, he quickly earned a professional contract.
Now, as he steps away from competition, Planet remains committed to the mission that defined his career: inspiring those living with diabetes and showing them that anything is possible. As a Team Novo Nordisk ambassador, he will continue to motivate and empower others, carrying forward his passion for the sport and the community that supported him throughout his career.