Team Novo Nordisk Development returned to racing at the Tour of Bulgaria, kicking off with a 1 km technical prologue. The race then moved into a series of long, hilly stages, challenging the riders with varied terrain.
Stage 3 was a highlight for the team—a 180 km route tailored for sprinters. This stage featured several crosswind sections, which made positioning crucial. The team’s plan was to keep Celestin (Wattelle) safe and out of trouble, ensuring he was well-positioned for the final sprint. They aimed for a top 5 finish and the strategy paid off, with Celestin sprinting to 4th place at the line.
“Hamish (Armitt) and Celestin were looking very comfortable in the first group,” said Sports Director Sergey Lagutin. “Hamish did a great job keeping Celestin at the front in the last 5 km, and securing 4th place is a great result for us.”
With the two stages ahead, Team Novo Nordisk Development is eager to maintain their momentum.