TNN Aims to Show Jersey at PostNord Danmark Rundt
05 September 2017
Race: PostNord Danmark Rundt – Tour of Denmark (September 12-16, 2017)
Country: Denmark
Total Distance: 759.8 kilometers
Race Class: 2.HC
Now racing its fifth consecutive PostNord Danmark Rundt, Team Novo Nordisk aims to build on its experience and seeks strong finishes when the five-day Danish race kicks off on Sept 12th in Frederiksberg.
“The Tour of Denmark is always an exceptional race for us because it is home to our title sponsor. Thanks to the unique partnership between Novo Nordisk and the team, we have the opportunity to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes and help motivate them to chase their dreams,” Team Novo Nordisk Senior Vice President of Athletics Vassili Davidenko said. “It is always special to be aggressive and show our jersey in a country that has played such a dedicated role in improving the lives of people with diabetes.”
For 2017, the Tour of Denmark was moved from mid to late summer to align with the upcoming UCI World Championships in Norway, and this shift could make the race even more dynamic event.
“The race will be very competitive because it will be one of the last races before the World Championships. The shift also means that the weather could create an additional challenge,” Davidenko explained. “Our riders are coming in with good form and we are approaching the race with a day-by-day strategy.”
Sixteen teams will contest the 27th edition of the UCI 2.HC race, including three World Tour teams. Team Novo Nordisk’s roster features Fabio Calabria (AUS), Romain Gioux (FRA), Joonas Henttala (FIN), David Lozano (ESP), Javier Megias (ESP), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA), and Martijn Verschoor (NED). Gioux is making his PostNord Danmark Rundt debut.
Slated to start his third PostNord Danmark Rundt, Planet knows this is a race that will be won and lost on the small Danish roads.
“To be successful at Tour of Denmark, it is all about fighting for position out on the narrow roads. It’s a nervous race from start to finish complete with short, steep climbs,” Planet said. “Even if the parcours isn’t that long, it is always stressful. With the race moved to September, we have the added element of more unpredictable weather.”
During a break from racing since the WorldTour Tour de Pologne, Planet said he’s focused on recovery and is motivated to leave his mark at his sponsor’s home race.
“Overall, I’ve had a great year in terms of my legs and form, but I’m hungry to get a good result before the season ends,” he said. “There are still numerous races and opportunities where we can show our jersey, and we are all very motivated to do our best in front of the Novo Nordisk employees and fans in Denmark.”
In a change from tradition, the PostNord Danmark Rundt is switching around its route and will begin in Frederiksberg and finish in Aarhus. The 175-kilometer opening stage takes place on Tuesday, September 12th and features a few climbs around Høve, Ordrup Næs, and Røsnæs before three technical finishing laps in Kalundborg.
PostNord Danmark Rundt -Tour of Denmark Roster:
Fabio Calabria (AUS), Romain Gioux (FRA), Joonas Henttala (FIN), David Lozano (ESP), Javier Megias (ESP), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA), Martijn Verschoor (NED).