Positive start to 2023 for Team Novo Nordisk in Rwanda

The world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team kicked off the 2023 season in consistent fashion at the Tour du Rwanda with both Frenchman Charles Planet and former Hungarian champion Peter Kusztor providing the ‘top ten’ highlights.

The eighth final stage in Kigali was a short one and unfolded as expected with explosive attacks throughout and Kusztor right up there on the final climb to move into the top ten on general classification, finishing in ninth.

Sports director Gennady Mikhaylov:

“Overall, I’m pleased with how we performed here in Rwanda, we achieved our goal of a top ten stage result with Charles and a high overall placing on the GC with Peter in ninth. David and Sam rode hard for Charles and Peter throughout the race and after losing Lucas to a crash early, the guys regrouped and showed great spirit.”

“It’s good to see Charles come back so strongly after the difficulties of the last two years and it was also nice to see Peter start his season on the front foot. It’s not easy at 37-years-old to be racing at a high-level day in day out against guys a lot younger than him. He’s really showing what’s possible.”

Peter Kusztor:

“It was a fight from the start today. Very explosive. Very fast and we really wanted to have a go to try and get the best result possible, so I’m happy that we managed to move into the top ten overall. That’s a nice way to end the race.”

“I think the decision we made to come one week before the race to train and acclimatize to the altitude was an important decision and we really felt the benefit as the race wore on. I don’t feel like I had a bad day on the bike here and it’s incredible to be able to race and drive change in a country like Rwanda. The fans are amazing, something special that gives you memories to cherish for a lifetime.”