DOB 08-07-1998
AGE OF DIAGNOSIS 4
YEARS WITH TEAM 6
Believe in yourself, embrace the challenge and don’t use diabetes as an excuse not to succeed, setbacks are there to be overcome.
PROFILE
Back with Team Novo Nordisk for 2024 is Dutchman Jan Dunnewind, one of the latest success stories to come through the TNN development pipeline and earn his opportunity in the pro ranks.
Dunnewind enjoyed a solid start to his professional career in 2022 by making the breakaway in his first race at the Tour of Oman before an unfortunate crash disrupted his debut season, a period of recovery followed and the Dutch climber got back to racing in 2023 with standout rides in the breakaway at the Vuelta Asturias coming before illness cut short his final race at the prestigious Tour of Turkey
Part of the Team Novo Nordisk development team for three years, the tall climber managed to cram in some positive results across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, with back to back top 20’s in Turkey at the Grand Prix Cappadocia and the Tour of Mevlan to mark a significant step in his physical development and racing career.
Growing up as the oldest of three boys, Dunnewind was at his grandmother’s house when she noticed the typical diabetes symptoms, increased thirst and urination. The then four-year-old Dunnewind was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The Dutchman appreciates how young he was at the time of his diagnosis because he says he no longer remembers life without the condition.
Thanks to a supportive family and medical team, Dunnewind resumed an active childhood that included volleyball, swimming, tennis, and gymnastics. Around 16, Dunnewind started cycling for fun, but soon he found out about a local club and began training officially. He joined the Dutch Cycling Union and was invited to a national training camp. His passion for cycling continued to grow and soon he attended two of Team Novo Nordisk’s annual Talent ID camps in the United States. Dunnewind said he learned a significant amount of knowledge around diabetes management and bike handling skills. He left the camp determined to earn a spot on Team Novo Nordisk’s development team.
Back in the Netherlands, Dunnewind increased his training and earned several results, including taking second in a French time trial, which earned him an invitation to join Team Novo Nordisk’s development squad for the 2019 season.
Off the bike, the 25-year-old Dunnewind has a degree in constructional engineering and previously worked at an architectural firm. His family has two dogs, Tommy and Eddy, both named in honor of famous cyclists.