Last European race of 2022 looms large for Team Novo Nordisk
30 September 2022
The world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team close out the 2022 European campaign in France at the Tour de Vendée on Sunday with the team aiming for a positive performance at the 50th edition of the 206km race.
2022 GP Kranj winner and Team Novo Nordisk’s all round captain marvel Andrea Peron will lead the team into his final race of the season with future star Matyas Kopecky raring to go after a solid ride at last week’s Paris-Chauny.
“The Tour de Vendeé is our last European race of the season,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “And we want to make it count. It’s important for the guys to give it all on Sunday. A few of the riders have the Japan Cup coming up in October, but the rest of them are heading into the off season after this and I want to see them leave it all out there on the road.”
“This is a typical late season classic style race, a lumpy parcours out on the country roads before five fast, challenging finishing circuits in La Roche-sur-Yon and I’m sure it’s going to be a tough and exciting race.”
Experienced Spanish climber David Lozano and Brit Sam Brand line up in support with former Finnish road champion Joonas Henttala and Kiwi Hamish Beadle alongside French climber Lucas Dauge.
“We’ve got another long race to finish with,” said Peron. “It’s going to be similar to last week at Paris-Chauny and I think if we race smart and can be positioned well on the final circuits, we could achieve a decent result.”
“This is our last European race of the season and my last race of 2022, it’s been a long year and I’m feeling it in the legs now, but with the off season coming up I want us to give it everything on Sunday and try our best to finish on a high note for everyone out there living with diabetes supporting us and cheering us on.”
Team Novo Nordisk at Tour de Vendée Sunday 2nd October:
Hamish Beadle (NZL, 24)
Sam Brand (GBR, 31)
Lucas Dauge (FR, 25)
Joonas Henttala (FIN, 31)
Matyas Kopecky (CZ, 19)
David Lozano (ESP, 33)
Andrea Peron (IT, 33)