TNN Finally back on home soil at Maryland Classic

Team Novo Nordisk make a long awaited return to home racing this weekend as the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team prepare to line up at the one day Maryland Classic. 

“After three years away we’re super happy to be back racing in America.” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “It’s been a long wait for the situation to change around then Covid pandemic and as an American team we’re incredibly excited and happy to be able to have the chance to race again on US soil.”

“It’s going to be a very tough race and with the WorldTour teams in attendance, we know we’re in for a challenge. But after our best ever performance at the Tour of Denmark recently we couldn’t have asked for better preparation.”

GP Kranj winner Andrea Peron will lead the team alongside Spaniard David Lozano and Italian neo pro and budding breakaway star Filippo Ridolfo.

“The last time we raced in America was back in 2019 at the Tour of California,” said Peron. “It’s great to be back and I’m excited to see how we go at the weekend. Maryland Classic looks tough. It’s a bit like a Northern European format, large loop out into the countryside first and then into downtown Baltimore for some fast circuits at the end, one things for sure it won’t be easy.”

“The route is undulating and the finish is slightly uphill so it doesn’t suit me perfectly, but if we can ride well positionally and stay attentive on the circuits then we could get a decent result. It all depends on how it unfolds because on this type of parcours it could be a small group that goes to the line.”

TNN’s sole American rider Logan Phippen makes a welcome return with former Finnish road champion Joonas Henttala, Brit Sam Brand and Dutchman Gerd de Keijzer completing the team. 

Team Novo Nordisk at Maryland Classic, Sunday 4th September:

Sam Brand (GBR, 31)

Gerd de Keijzer (NED, 30)

Joonas Henttala (FIN, 30)

David Lozano (ESP, 33)

Andrea Peron (IT, 33)

Logan Phippen (USA, 30)

Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 21)