Kopecky makes history with first white jersey for Team Novo Nordisk

Team Novo Nordisk celebrate a landmark achievement as 22-year-old Czech rider Matyas Kopecky claimed the Best Young Rider jersey at the 2025 Région Pays de la Loire Tour. This result marks the first time in the team’s history that a rider has won the white jersey, and it represents the third jersey classification win for the team since its inception.​

Kopecky delivered a composed and consistent performance across all four stages, rising above a competitive field to secure the white jersey. His achievement adds a significant milestone to Team Novo Nordisk’s mission-driven journey in professional cycling.

“This is a special moment – not just for Matyas, but for the entire project,” said Phil Southerland, CEO and Co-Founder of Team Novo Nordisk.  “To win our first Best Young Rider jersey shows how far we’ve come and reinforces our belief that living with diabetes doesn’t limit potential. Matyas raced with heart, and the team stood strong behind him.”

The Région Pays de la Loire Tour, known for its fast-paced racing and technical terrain, served as the perfect platform for Kopecky’s rising talent. His performance reflects both his personal growth and the team’s upward trajectory in the European peloton.

After finishing with the leaders on each stage Kopecky took the white jersey on yesterday’s stage three, holding off the challengers on the fourth and final day of racing to finish seventh on the stage and seal the white jersey win. 

“This is a really special moment,” began Kopecky. “Not just for me but for everyone involved with Team Novo Nordisk and the whole diabetes community. Climbing onto the podium at the end of the stage was incredible and brought home the significance of what we have achieved.”

“The start of race was very nervy until the break went and then things settled down. The guys did a great job in keeping me at the front, carrying speed and holding position. Then it exploded. The last 60km was full gas, really technical circuits, left, right, up and down on the steep climbs, but that’s where I started feeling better.

“Last lap Massimo was saying to me on the radio ‘the last climb you attack’ and when we hit the climb he just started screaming ATTACK!! So I went with another guy from FDJ and took seventh place and the white jersey. This is one race we go away from without thinking ‘what If’…”

This is only the third ‘jersey victory’ in the history of Team Novo Nordisk which means Kopecky joins an exclusive club alongside former riders Quentin Valognes and Charles Planet.

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team, continues to show what’s possible when athletes race not only to win but to inspire, educate and empower. Kopecky’s white jersey win is a powerful symbol of what’s achievable through perseverance, teamwork, and above all through belief.