French triple header for Team Novo Nordisk

The races are coming thick and fast for Team Novo Nordisk as the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team head south to France from Belgium for three one day events at Grand Classic Besançon Doubs, Tour du Jura and Tour du Doubs.

Former Hungarian champion Peter Kusztor and Tour du Rwanda stage winner David Lozano will lead a mixed team of youth and experience with French climber Lucas Dauge back to race on home soil and neo pro Alessandro Perracchione eager for a chance to shine, while Hamish Beadle and Sam Brand travel direct from yesterday’s Brabantse Pijl. 

“Each race on the calendar is important to us,” began General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “And three challenging one day events like Besançon, Jura and Doubs taking place one after the other, over three days is going to be a good test for the team.”

“With some riders returning from injury and some not yet having raced as much as the others, this give us a good opportunity to rotate the roster and provide the guys with the chance to perform and gain some results. Both Peter and David are there to provide experience and leadership for the younger guys and now is the time to show us that they are ready to race.”

Dutchmen Jan Dunnewind and Gerd de Keijzer are both back with De Keijzer making his first appearance since recovering from an early season crash at the Volta a la Communitat Valenciana and completing the team alongside Italian Antonio Polga.

“It’s always a pleasure to race in France and in the beautiful Doubs region close to my home is extra special,” said Dauge. “I have nice memories of the Grand Classic Besançon which was my first race back after recovering from my injuries in 2021.”

“We have been here before and we know to expect some tough racing. On this terrain there will be no respite. These races have a lot of climbs with hard finishes, but we are ready for the challenge and I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Team Novo Nordisk at Grand Classic Besançon Doubs, Tour du Jura and Tour du Doubs, 12th – 14th April:

Hamish Beadle (NZ, 26)
Sam Brand (GBR,33) 
Lucas Dauge (FR, 27)
Gerd de Keijzer (NED, 30)
Jan Dunnewind (NED, 25)
Peter Kusztor (HUN, 39)
David Lozano (ESP, 35)
Alessandro Perracchione (IT, 19)
Antonio Polga (IT, 25)