Team Novo Nordisk return to stage racing at Région Pays de la Loire Tour
01 April 2024
Formerly known as the Circuit de la Sarthe, the Région Pays de la Loire Tour is in its second year under a new name, but 2024 marks the 70th edition of the race and will cover just over 700km over the stunning roads of west-central France.
In form Czech sprinter Matyas Kopecky will lead Team Novo Nordisk alongside the experienced team captain Andrea Peron and Catalan climber David Lozano.
“We’ve produced some strong performances and good results in our recent one day events,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “Now we need to transition that back to the consistency of stage racing. Starting with the Loire Tour on Tuesday.”
“It will be four days of hard racing, some punchy stages always open to the elements and the versatility of the team will be important. Having our experienced climber David Lozano back should give us that versatility alongside Matyas who’s been in good form recently and we’re on the lookout for some good results this week.”
Manxman Sam Brand lines up in support, fresh from a successful day in the breakaway at the recent Roue Tourangelle and is joined by Australian Declan Irvine and neo pro Antonio Polga.
“The one day races we’ve been competing in over the last couple of weeks in Belgium and France should be ideal preparation for a stage race with the characteristics of the Loire Tour,” said Kopecky. “The composition of each of the four stages are similar to classics style races and we see opportunities every day.”
“Of course it will be tough, we will have to work hard together as a team to make sure we are in the right positions when it counts, but we have a strong team lining up and I’m looking forward to mixing it up at a stage race again.“
Team Novo Nordisk at Région Pays de la Loire Tour, 2nd – 5th April:
Sam Brand (GBR, 32)
Declan Irvine (AUS, 25)
Matyas Kopecky (CZ, 21)
David Lozano (ESP, 35)
Andrea Peron (IT, 35)
Antonio Polga (IT, 25)
Stages:
Tuesday 2nd April, Stage 1: Fontenay-le-Comte – Jean-de-Monts, 210.5km
Wednesday 3rd April, Stage 2: Châteubriant – Saumur, 162.1km
Thursday 4th April, Stage 3: Segré-en-Anjou-Bleu – Château-Gontier, 159.8km
Friday 5th April, Stage 4: Marolles-les-Braults – Le Mans, 174.9km