Gaciron designs and builds bicycle and e-bike lighting products and integrated lighting solutions, backed by more than a decade of engineering expertise, with a range that runs from compact safety lights to high-output headlights. Through the partnership, Gaciron will equip Team Novo Nordisk's riders for training in the dark, early, and low-light conditions that fill a professional season, those unglamorous hours that make race-day performance possible.

The partnership also reflects a shared presence in Asia. Gaciron is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, a region where Team Novo Nordisk has built a growing racing footprint, including a team classification win at the Tour of Shanghai (2025). The two will build the partnership's profile around the team's autumn races in the region, with the Tour of Shanghai in September as a focal point.

"Our brand promise is simple — Light Up Your Way — and the riders who test it hardest are the ones training day in and day out, in every condition," said Paul Chan, Gaciron CEO. “Team Novo Nordisk's athletes ride exactly the hours our products are built for. Supporting a team that proves what's possible for people living with diabetes makes this partnership especially meaningful to us.”

It's a partnership rooted in the part of cycling that rarely makes the highlight reel; those training hours that make everything on race day possible.

"Our athletes log countless hours in the dark and the rain, and staying visible is a question of safety first," said Vassili Davidenko, General Manager at Team Novo Nordisk. "Gaciron understands riders because they are riders, and their strength in Asia matches a part of the world where we race often. We're glad to have them alongside us for the season ahead."

For a team built on proving what's possible for people living with diabetes, a partner devoted to keeping its riders seen and safe through the hardest training hours is a natural fit.

About Gaciron
Founded in 2008, Gaciron is a professional bicycle lighting brand with its own manufacturing facility, committed to product innovation and quality, delivering a safer, more convenient experience for cyclists. Choose GACIRON and make every ride shine! For more information, go to https://www.gaciron-shop.com/

Managing worldwide travel for a professional cycling team requires precision, adaptability, and deep understanding of elite sport demands especially as Team Novo Nordisk’s last season schedule spanned competition in 21 countries. The partnership with Solutions Travel is designed to bring enhanced operational stability and flexibility to the team’s athletes and staff throughout the season

“It’s an honor and privilege for us to be associated with Team Novo Nordisk who has brought education and inspiration to those who live with Diabetes and continue to prove that obstacles can be overcome,” said Mark Walton, CEO of Solutions Travel.

Sergey Davidenko, Team Novo Nordisk VP of Logistics and Sponsorships, added: “Managing the travel of a global professional cycling team is incredibly complex and having Solutions Travel as a partner gives us true peace of mind. Their team understands the demands of elite sport, and their user-friendly tools allow us to manage travel and last-minute changes right at our fingertips. We’re extremely excited about this partnership and the stability it brings to our athletes and staff as we compete around the world.”

As part of the partnership, Team Novo Nordisk will supplement Solutions Travel’s services by utilizing the Spotnana travel platform to facilitate many of the team’s travel reservation processes, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in managing the team’s global travel needs.

The partnership with Solutions Travel reinforces Team Novo Nordisk’s commitment to operational excellence as it continues to pursue new milestones in competition while raising awareness for diabetes education and empowerment.

First held in 1907 and one of cycling’s five monuments, the route has undergone some changes over the years and in 2026 will start in Pavia, just outside of Milan and will cover just over 300km west to the Ligurian coast where the race usually springs to life over the iconic climbs that have come to define the last part of the race - the ‘Tre Capi’, Cipressa and Poggio di Sanremo all come before the finale on Via Roma in downtown Sanremo.

The partnership between Novo Nordisk and Team Novo Nordisk is rooted in a shared purpose: to demonstrate that living with diabetes does not limit ambition or performance, while promoting the importance of health for all.

“We’re extremely proud to confirm our participation in Milan-Sanremo this year,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “It’s one of the oldest and most iconic races in the world. This will be our 7th appearance at Milan-Sanremo as Team Novo Nordisk and it’s a big opportunity for us to make an impact and share our inspirational message.”

“Our last time was in 2021, and we made the breakaway with Andrea Peron and Charles Planet, that’s the best way for us to share our mission to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes by racing from the front and being out there for as long as possible.”

“We have come a long way since then and to see how the team keeps developing and progressing year on year is testament to hard work and the support of our sponsors Novo Nordisk. A new generation of TNN athletes is coming through and our younger riders like Filippo and Antonio deserve their opportunity to ride in their home monument.”

While much of the route is relatively flat, Milan-Sanremo typically comes alive in the final 50 kilometers with a series of short, sharp climbs including the famous Cipressa and Poggio.

The Poggio, just a few kilometers from the finish, is where attacks often occur, though sprinters who can handle the climbs frequently contest the finish on Sanremo’s Via Roma. This makes Milan-Sanremo unique among the Monuments - it can be won by pure sprinters, puncheurs, or all-rounders depending on how the race unfolds. This all adds to the rich history of the race and for Team Novo Nordisk with its unique mission and goals makes its participation all the more meaningful.

The 18-year-old from Perth was recently 21^st in the U23 criterium at the Australian National Championships after finishing on the podium in second place in the juniors in 2025 and gained significant experience racing in Europe, winning four races at national junior level including Kooigem and Torhout-Rozveld in Belgium.

“We are happy to be starting the new year by announcing a new addition to the pro team and extend a warm welcome to Donovan Mackie,” began General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “We are excited to be able to give the opportunity to Donovan after he impressed at our Talent ID camp in Italy last summer and achieved some excellent results at junior level.”

“Donovan has a lot of potential and put a lot of hard work in over the last few months while showing a strong desire to keep developing and improving. We have a good mix of experienced riders and young neo pros, for whom 2026 will be their first fully professional season and it’s our job to help them progress and realize that potential.”

Mackie will go straight into the pro set up of the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team and will meet his new teammates for the first time at the pre-season camp in Alicante, Spain.

“As an athlete living and competing with Type 1 diabetes to be racing with Team Novo Nordisk means a lot to me,” said Mackie. “I think it’s special to be a part of a team with a unique and powerful message."

“The Talent ID camp last summer was a nice eye opener into how Team Novo Nordisk operates and how the athletes are supported. The whole team was very hands on with everything from testing to training and race simulations, and it only made me hungrier to become a part of the team.”

“I’m super excited for what’s ahead in the coming year. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into testing myself at a higher level and and excited to learn from my teammates and coaches."

The current contract, running from 2023 to 2026, will now be extended for an additional five years, through 2031. This renewal marks the longest partnership extension in the team’s history and reaffirms Novo Nordisk’s long term commitment to driving change for people living with diabetes worldwide.

Since the partnership began in 2012, Novo Nordisk and Team Novo Nordisk have worked together to transform perceptions of diabetes.  Founded on a simple but powerful idea - uniting athletes who live with type 1 diabetes - the partnership has proven that life with diabetes can be active, ambitious, and full of potential.

Through the power of sport, science, and storytelling, this partnership proves that diabetes does not define you and inspires healthier living and lasting change for long-term health.

“Team Novo Nordisk embodies the belief that people with diabetes can accomplish anything,” said CEO and Co-Founder Phil Southerland. “Over the past thirteen years, our partnership has grown beyond cycling into a global movement that is changing perceptions about diabetes. We are proud to extend our partnership for another five years, continuing to inspire the diabetes community worldwide while racing at the highest level of professional cycling.”

As part of this partnership extension, Team Novo Nordisk will continue competing against the world’s best while managing diabetes every single day while expanding its outreach and education programs.

At the same time, Novo Nordisk continues its relentless pursuit of innovative medicines and research to improve care, outcomes, and quality of life for people living with chronic conditions.

Together with Team Novo Nordisk, they aim to empower people worldwide to take charge of their health through exercise, nutrition, and positive choices, paving the way for stronger communities and healthier lives.

To mark World Diabetes Day 2025 and celebrate the partnership renewal, Team Novo Nordisk will support the World Diabetes Foundation’s project “Improving diabetes control and quality of life for children in Uzbekistan”, an initiative focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, particularly in rural regions.

Team Novo Nordisk will donate 10% of profits from its international webshop to the fundraiser through the end of 2025, helping ensure that more children living with diabetes have access to the care and support they deserve.

“Team Novo Nordisk shows the world what’s possible when passion and purpose meet,” says Elin Jäger, Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and Head of CEO Office, Corporate Strategy & Sustainability at Novo Nordisk, “Today’s extension of our partnership with Team Novo Nordisk reaffirms our long-term commitment to driving change for people living with diabetes. By combining sport, education and community support, we are helping to dismantle stigma, as well as build hope and foster lasting healthy habits for children with type 1 diabetes. We are proud to stand with these athletes as we continue to empower patients to live healthier lives.”

Since its founding, Team Novo Nordisk has raced in hundreds of events across the globe, covering more than 75,000 kilometers per season, and earning multiple podiums and young rider classifications, including the team’s first-ever white jersey at the Loire Tour in France in 2025, followed by two more at the Tour of Estonia and Kreiz Breizh Elites.

The team’s athletes serve as powerful ambassadors for diabetes awareness, inspiring millions, and demonstrating that with proper care, dedication, and support, people with diabetes can perform at the highest level. This long term renewal will give the team, its athletes and ambassadors a deeper connection to the 70,000 Novo Nordisk employees who work daily to improve the lives of its 45 million customers worldwide.

“Novo Nordisk’s unwavering support has been instrumental in our mission to inspire, educate, and empower people with diabetes,” continued Southerland. “Together, we will continue to break barriers and drive change for long-term health.”

Frenchmen Louis-Marie Posnic and Lucas Terrier make the step up from the Development team alongside young and exciting Spanish talent Juan Jose Lopez while key renewals include team captain Andrea Peron and experienced climber David Lozano.

“We’ve acknowledged many times in the past how important our development pipeline is, and I am pleased to be here announcing another three young talents progressing to the senior pro team. We welcome Louis-Marie, Lucas and Juan Jose,” began General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “It takes a lot of work and year on year we are able to help develop these young athletes who live with Type 1 diabetes and give them a platform to progress and compete against the world’s best cyclists in the Team Novo Nordisk jersey.”

Italian rouleur Filippo Ridolfo remains and heads up the cast of talented young riders looking to build on the strong performances from 2025 that also includes compatriots Anotonio Polga and Alessandro Perracchione.

“Equally as important is keeping the core foundation of the team, that is a key factor in providing stability,” continued Davidenko. “Therefore, it is important for us to ensure that our experienced riders remain motivated, and our young talent is on the right path to keep developing. Retaining Andrea, Filippo, David et al gives us stability and with their combined experience they have the tools to help our new riders immediately.”

Louis-Marie Posnic:

“I am very happy and proud to be joining the Team Novo Nordisk pro team next year. I am realising one of my biggest childhood dreams by becoming a professional, so I can't wait to start the 2026 season.

My time spent racing with the TNN Development team allowed me to gain experience and progress. I spent two wonderful years in the Devo team, and one of my fondest memories is from the Czech Tour racing as part of a mixed squad Devo/Pro. I felt great on the bike and learned a lot at this level.”

The last highlight was the Giro di Friuli in Italy, because I fell on the first stage, and I struggled to recover on the second and third stages, but by stage four I felt good again and managed to have a great final stage. I was really happy that I didn't give up and was rewarded on the last race of the year with the news of turning pro in 2026.”

“I’d love to race the Cholet Agglo Tour next year, as it passes less than two kilometers from my house and it’s a race, I’ve dreamt of doing since I was a child.”

Lucas Terrier:

“Turning pro with Team Novo Nordisk for 2026 is something special. I have been dreaming about becoming a professional cyclist for so many years, I remember myself as a kid watching my idols on TV and now having the chance to race against them at 19 gives me goosebumps. Even more so that I’ll be doing it as part of an incredible team like TNN that has been inspiring me since my diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes.”

“I only spent one year with the Devo Team, but what a year it has been! The athletes, who are now basically much more than teamates but friends and all the staff were amazing. I will keep in mind each race and the camps we’we done together around the world, but also the moments off the bike where we shared our cultures and how we deal with diabetes. Always learning and sharing, the team very quickly became a second familly for me.”

Juan Jose Lopez:

“I still can't believe it. Since joining the Talent ID camp, I've been inspired by the team's mission and by the riders around me. Now, having the opportunity to make the leap to the professional team is incredible. Honestly, my entire time with the development team has been full of great moments and lots of learning, as well as making new friends from all over the world.”

“One of the main highlights of the past year was racing with the pro riders, doing a job for them, learning, and gaining experience firsthand in this way was fantastic. Next year I want to work as hard as possible but take the time to adapt to the higher level of racing while being able to help my teammates in every way I can.”

Team Novo Nordisk for 2026

Hamish Armitt (GBR)

Hamish Beadle (NZL)

Sam Brand (GBR)

Jacopo Colladon (ITA)

Lucas Dauge (FRA)

Quinten De Graeve (BEL)

Declan Irvine (AUS)

Juan Jose Lopez (ESP)

David Lozano (ESP)

Bailey McDonald (AUS)

Anton Muller (FRA)

Andrea Peron (ITA)

Alessandro Perracchione (ITA)

Antonio Polga (ITA)

Umberto Poli (ITA)

Louis-Marie Posnic (FRA)

Filippo Ridolfo (ITA)

Nathan Smith (GBR)

Lucas Terrier (FRA)

Celestin Wattelle (FRA)

Team captain Andrea Peron remains as the main stay alongside the bright talents of burgeoning Czech classics star Matyáš Kopecky and Italian rouleur Filippo Ridolfo.

New additions arrive from the Commonwealth as Glaswegian Hamish Armitt and Australian Bailey McDonald both come directly into the pro team from the U23 ranks.

“We’re very excited and full of anticipation for the new season,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “Making changes is never easy, but it is part of professional sport and an important aspect of progression and building for the future. Investing in young talent is a cornerstone in the history of Team Novo Nordisk and something we believe in.”

“To be able to continue giving opportunities to guys like Bailey and Hamish to race alongside Andrea and Matyas and the guys is something we are very proud of and it bodes well for our long-term goals. Keeping key riders is also something that’s high on our list of priorities and after another successful season this year, we knew where we wanted to strengthen the squad, and our three riders stepping up from the development team will bring youth ability and potential.”

Frenchmen Anton Muller and Celestin Wattelle make the move up from the TNN Development team alongside 21-year-old Italian Jacopo Colladon with all three riders proudly coming through the in-house pipeline.

Consistent performances throughout 2024 from antipodeans Declan Irvine and Hamish Beadle, Manxman Sam Brand, Belgian Quinten De Graeve and particularly from Italian neo pros Alessandro Perracchione and Antonio Polga, shore up the supporting cast with further promise coming in the form of experienced Spaniard David Lozano.

The Tour du Rwanda stage winner and former Spanish MTB Champion hit a late season hot streak in China and Japan after recovering from a broken shoulder sustained over the summer and remains through 2025.

“We’re always trying to find the right balance,” continued Davidenko. “There’s a lot of responsibility on our shoulders and our experienced riders need to show our younger athletes that what is expected of us is more than racing. All our team members are ambassadors for the global diabetes community and with that comes an obligation to consistently try to be the best you can be, from competing to glucose management.”

“We expect the highest level, and this will not change going forward. Year on year we are trying to provide the right platform and support for athletes with Type 1 Diabetes to succeed in elite competition. That means hard work from everyone in the team, a family thrives with togetherness and after 11 successful years with Novo Nordisk a family is what we have become.”

Team Novo Nordisk for 2025:

Hamish Armitt (GBR, 22)

Hamish Beadle (NZL, 26)

Sam Brand (GBR, 33)

Jacopo Colladon (IT, 21)

Lucas Dauge (FR, 27)

Quinten De Graeve (BEL, 24)

Declan Irvine (AUS, 25)

Matyáš Kopecky (CZ, 21)

David Lozano (ESP, 35)

Bailey McDonald (AUS, 21)

Anton Muller (FR, 26)

Andrea Peron (IT, 36)

Doriand Percrule (FR, 25)

Alessandro Perracchione (IT, 19)

Logan Phippen (USA, 32)

Antonio Polga (IT, 25)

Umberto Poli (IT, 28)

Nathan Smith (GBR, 24)

Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 23)

Celestin Wattelle (FR, 21)

“Bailey has been racing bikes since a young age and athletics forms a strong part of his family background,” began General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “He has come through the ranks of junior to national elite level racing in Australia and we’re extremely excited to have another talented young rider joining Team Novo Nordisk.”

“Although Bailey has a solid foundation of racing experience, he’s still young and understands that the step up to racing at the highest international level will be a big one and we will do everything we can to help his development and transition to the senior pro ranks.”

Recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2024, McDonald had already taken the first steps down the road to his dream of success as a professional cyclist, racing for the esteemed Australian UCI continental Team BridgeLane before coming to the attention of TNN at the teams annual Talent ID camp in July.

“Turning professional with Team Novo Nordisk is truly a dream come true,” said McDonald. “For as long as I can remember it has been my dream to ride my bike professionally and to finally have the chance to live that dream is nothing short of surreal. I can’t thank everyone involved in the process enough for making it happen. Thanks to the entire organisation, my family, friends, coach and supporters.”

“Joining the pro ranks in 2025 excites me deeply. I don’t underestimate the fact that it will take a period of adjustment to the level of racing however I believe I can have immediate impact in helping the team achieve success. For me, a successful debut season would be one in which I come in and play my role for the team, learning the craft of racing at the pro level and assist and achieve as many results as possible for Team Novo Nordisk in 2025 .”

McDonald grew up in an extremely active family and started cycling at an early age, racing a local club level before progressing to the Australian national road series and achieving a standout third place in the world’s second oldest one day event, Melbourne to Warrnambool.

The result gave McDonald the belief that he could make it as a pro and earned him a contract with Australia’s premier continental outfit, Team BridgeLane for 2024. More racing followed including in Europe and after making the TNN Talent ID camp a key goal, the 21-year-old Victorian duly impressed and joins the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team for the next two seasons.

The 23-year-old puncheur will join the pro ranks with the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team for the rest of the 2023 season with the focus primarily on gaining more experience.

“Quinten has impressed with his performances so far this season,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “And we’re happy to be able to help his development and progress by giving this added incentive to step up.”

“The onus will be squarely on the learning process and maturing, but after the commitment and drive Quinten has shown this year, we feel he will be a strong addition to the senior professional team.”

In his first year with the Team Novo Nordisk development program De Graeve has produced good results in stage races on US soil at Redlands Bicycle Classic and the extremely challenging Tour of the Gila where the Belgian secured top 20 finishes on stages two and four and shown his strength and Flemish characteristics competing in gritty national races in Belgium.

“This winter it was great news for me to join the Team Novo Nordisk development team and the positive impact was noticeable straight away,” said De Graeve. “One of the many things the team taught me was how to start to live more and more professionally, diet, training, and diabetes management and as a result I became stronger. I'm sure I can learn a lot from the pro riders, and hope to keep growing.”

“Prior to my first season with the development team, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a member of the TNN - pro team. Of course this is a dream come true for me. I'm still developing, but I feel that I’m a pretty classic Flemish rider, I like the punchy courses, racing on the cobbles and against the wind are elements I can identify with and I’m looking forward to take this opportunity to progress with the pro team.”

“Moving up to the pro ranks always means a new level of responsibility both as an athlete and as an ambassador to the diabetes community. I love getting to see Logan and Lucas’s dreams come true,” said Team Novo Nordisk CEO and co-founder Phil Southerland. “Through our extensive development pipeline, many of our athletes have a shared journey up to the pro ranks. When a devo rider advances to the pro team, it is a reunion with their past teammates. They help one another with the adjustments while serving as a reminder of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach the pro team.”

To become a member of Team Novo Nordisk, all athletes must have type 1 diabetes. Since its launch in December 2012, the organization has focused heavily on identifying and developing endurance athletes worldwide with diabetes. Dauge and Phippen are two in a long line of riders advancing through the team’s development pipeline. The team’s multi-tiered structure dedicates time and resources to allow riders to develop and help ensure a successful transition into the professional ranks.

Phippen was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2016 over the weekend of his 24^th birthday. The diagnosis never disheartened the Portland-native as he knew it was a condition that he could manage. With the help from his medical team, he was back on the bike within a week following his diagnosis. Because he had already seen Team Novo Nordisk in the peloton, he immediately reached out to the team to see if they had a spot for him on their elite team. Instead, Team Novo Nordisk offered him a chance to race for the development squad, and Phippen instantly jumped at the chance.

“My appreciation for this opportunity is immense and I am overflowing with gratitude to the team’s management for believing in me. I recognize this is a large step forward and I am motivated to continue distilling and refining my development process as I move into this new chapter,” said Phippen. “Pulling on the pro men’s jersey is quite special. Since I was a young child, racing at the pro level was my dream. My life has taken many courses and I’m so proud to pull on the Team Novo Nordisk Changing Diabetes jersey as we head into the 100^th year anniversary since the discovery of insulin, meaning life for those of us living with diabetes.”

Dauge is set to become the third Frenchman amongst the Team Novo Nordisk ranks joining Mehdi Benhamouda and Charles Planet. The Hautes-Alpes-native was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 18 years old. He was a promising skier in his youth but fell in love with cycling after learning about Team Novo Nordisk.. In 2017, he applied for Talent ID camp and began his journey through the team’s development pipeline.

“It's a dream come true becoming a professional cyclist. I worked hard during the suspension of racing due to Covid-19 and managed to progress this season even without much racing,” explained Dauge. “When I joined the development team three years ago, I didn't overthink about becoming a pro, but year after year, I saw with hard work that it could be possible, and it eventually became a goal that I believed in.”

The fight and desire Dauge has shown over the past years was a key factor for management when deciding to take him to the next step.

“It is with great pleasure to welcome Lucas to the professional team. He is a true fighter and worked extremely hard for this advancement,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “Lucas's story is very inspiring as a former skier who fell in love with cycling. He learned about the Team Novo Nordisk program via social media, attended Talent ID camp, and has become very dedicated to the sport. Within three seasons on our development team, he made significant progress, shown good results, and deserves his spot on the professional team for the 2021 season.”

Team Novo Nordisk ended its 2020 racing season at Paris-Tours. The team recently came together in Rhodes, Greece for a 2021 training camp before heading into the off-season.

About Team Novo Nordisk

Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. In 2012, Phil Southerland, co-founder and CEO of the team, and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, came together to create Team Novo Nordisk, based on a shared vision to inspire, educate and empower people around the world affected by diabetes. For more information, go to www.teamnovonordisk.com.

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Images are ©Team Novo Nordisk

“I feel at home in this team. Over the years, they have seen me progress and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Planet. “What’s even more exciting is that we’re getting better and better and that is why this is where I want to stay for the next three years.”

After turning pro in 2014, Planet has earned multiple milestones for the team including securing the team’s first WorldTour jersey with the Most Active Rider jersey at the Tour de Pologne in 2019.

“I started my professional career with Team Novo Nordisk, and it’s been an amazing journey. I was 18 years old when I joined and had very little experience on the road,” explained Planet. “I look forward to making even more progress with the team and our mission to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes. I’m really excited for the future and what we can achieve together.”

After what was set to be a promising 2020 season was stopped in its tracks with the Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent suspension of sporting activities. However, Planet did not lose focus and as the season re-started in August, he returned to action with top ten results at Circuito de Getxco and the Tour de Slovaquie and a hard-fought top 30 at an epic edition of Paris-Tours.

“Charles has made solid progress over the years. Even with a very complicated and short 2020 season, he was on the top of his game at basically all the races he did this year,” said Team Novo Nordisk General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “He has shown strong character and leadership. The team is always there to support Charles and importantly for both the team and for Charles, he feels at home.”

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 10 years old, Planet echoes and elaborates on that sentiment and says the benefits of the supportive environment at Team Novo Nordisk are conducive to physical progress and emotional and mental development.

“To have good legs, you need to be good mentally. It allows me to train well and be there in the races. In this team, we have a good atmosphere between all the riders and staff, which is nice. It makes a big difference when everyone is laughing at the dinner table and getting along; that’s really important to me,” said Planet.

With the next few years secured thanks to the continued support from title sponsor Novo Nordisk, Planet and Team Novo Nordisk can look ahead to future objectives.

“The plans for Charles’ preparation over the off-season are already confirmed and will include some off-road racing,” concluded Davidenko. “Charles has earned his position as one of our leaders at Team Novo Nordisk and I am sure he will continue his growth over the wintertime and he will be ready for more great accomplishments in 2021.”

Looking ahead to what is currently a relatively unknown 2021 season, Planet is hoping to start to transition from breakaway star into more of a contender.

“Over the years, I’ve been in a lot of breakaways and I like that but now it’s time to start focusing on results for the team at races that suit me well,” said Planet. “In cycling, confidence is critical. Now I feel I have more confidence in myself. When I tell my teammates that I am feel good, we all work for one goal and I appreciate them. That’s what makes cycling so special, the teamwork.”

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Images are ©Team Novo Nordisk

“We truly have the most supportive and engaged sponsor in bike racing. Through our partnership, we have worked hard to deliver value and impact to the world over the past eight years. As the world knows, this year has seen one of the biggest crises in recent times, so we feel extra fortunate that they committed to an incredible three-year extension,” said Phil Southerland, Co-Founder and CEO of Team Novo Nordisk. “I am so humbled by their support and eternally grateful that together we will continue to change diabetes for years to come!”

In December 2012, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk partnered with the professional cycling team Team Type 1 to create Team Novo Nordisk based on the shared mission to inspire, educate, and empower people around the world affected by diabetes.

“Novo Nordisk is an amazing company that truly embodies the values and mission of this team. They are fully committed to supporting people living with diabetes and helping them achieve their dreams,” exclaimed Southerland.

Racing as part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) ProSeries, the team aims to increase diabetes awareness with the world’s dedicated cycling fans while also bringing a new audience to cycling through the extensive diabetes community. Currently racing in its eighth season, the new contract will ensure Team Novo Nordisk continues for at least 11 years, extending its place as the longest continuously running American-registered professional cycling team.

“Thanks to Novo Nordisk’s enduring commitment, we have been able to grow this team into a world-class project that competes against the best in the world. With a three-year runway, we can really focus on long-term growth and development of our athletes and the impact that they have on our global diabetes family,” said Phil Southerland. “We are proud to be part of Novo Nordisk’s Changing Diabetes^® initiative. Every day, we provide the diabetes community with heroes and show the 463 million people around the world affected by diabetes what may be possible.”

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Team Novo Nordisk until the end of 2023. Team Novo Nordisk is a role model for many children and adults living with diabetes, and is showing to the world how continuous innovation is enabling people with diabetes to live their dreams. With this, our partnership will include both the 100 year celebration of the discovery of insulin as well as the 100 year anniversary of Novo Nordisk as a company,” said Camilla Sylvest, Executive Vice President, Commercial Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Novo Nordisk.

Southerland was personally moved by Novo Nordisk’s willingness to renew early on their current sponsorship and commit to a multi-year deal during such unprecedented times.

“It is through Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to supporting people with diabetes and helping them live their healthiest lives that this team exists. I’m eager to grow, inspire the next generation of heroes living with this condition, and motivate the youth of the world to get active. We know the bike serves as a powerful tool and platform for changing the health of the world.”

About Team Novo Nordisk

Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. In 2012, Phil Southerland, co-founder and CEO of the team, and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, came together to create Team Novo Nordisk, based on a shared vision to inspire, educate, and empower people around the world affected by diabetes. For more information, go to www.teamnovonordisk.com.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 43,500 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.

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Images are ©Team Novo Nordisk

“We are pleased to announce that we have extended Charles contract through the 2020 season. Charles’s growth and development since he raced with Team Novo Nordisk’s development team have been tremendous. This season, he made a major mental step forward that led to a jump in his physical prowess,” Team Novo Nordisk CEO and Co-Founder Phil Southerland said. “He puts his heart and soul into being the best athlete and holds himself accountable every single day. Charles serves as an example to every young rider in our program to what's possible with hard work and self-confidence.”

Team Novo Nordisk General Manager Vassili Davidenko explained that 25-year-old Planet received attention from other pro teams and the decision to extend his contract is a sign of the team’s confidence in his ongoing development.

“Determination, believing in success, and consistent hard work have placed Charles where he's now. He's a fighter and understands the basic rule of success in pro cycling: if you don't try - nothing will happen, if you race in the back - nothing will happen,” Davidenko said. “It doesn't surprise me that other teams were talking to Charles; every team wants a rider on board with Charles’s qualities. At this stage, Charles is still developing, and we will provide complete support to take him to the next level. One day he will be ready to race with a World Tour team and participate in a Grand Tour.”

Back in 2013, Planet was the Lorraine mountain bike and cyclocross champion and was part of the winning squad at the 2013 French National Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship. He reached out to Team Novo Nordisk and said he’d be interested in switching to road racing from mountain biking. The team invited him to race as a stagiaire and progressed through the team’s development pipeline.

“After so many years together, Team Novo Nordisk is my second family and I’m happy to continue with this project. The atmosphere within the team is super and everyone is fully committed to our mission and helping us achieve success,” Planet said. “Above everything else, I’m proud to continue helping people with diabetes chase their dreams. I will always fight for those people. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t believe I could be a professional athlete, so my goal is to help everyone affected by this condition to be as happy as I am now living with diabetes.”

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 10 years old, Planet has had a standout 2019 season as a formidable breakaway rider. He has spent more than a dozen race days off the front at the UAE Tour, Milan-San Remo, Tour of California, Tour of Slovenia, and Tour of Pologne. The aggressive tactic earned him the Most Courageous Rider jersey on the opening stage of the Tour of California and put him in the Intermediate Sprint jersey for four days at the UAE Tour and the King of the Mountains jersey for three days at the Tour of Pologne.

“From the first day of this season, I’ve only had amazing memories, but the standout achievement is the Most Active Rider jersey at the Tour of Pologne," Planet described. "I knew I was able to get a jersey on Stage 1, but to hold it until the end of a seven-day World Tour stage race complete with some incredibly hard racing against some of the best riders in the world was unreal.”

Additional season highlights include seventh overall at the Tour of Estonia after he finished fourth on the opening prologue and 10^thon Stage 1. At the Post Danmark Rundt, he earned a top 10 finish on the race’s Queen stage.

“Start with the UAE Tour, to San Remo, California, Poland, and so on, Charles has had a goal this season and continuously has fought for it. He is becoming the modern-day Jacky Durand,” Southerland said. “I want to see him continue on the breakaway journey, but also look to races where he can get results at the finish. Taking 10^thplace in Denmark on the most difficult stage is a sign of his progress. I want Charles to believe he can win, and together we will see what happens.

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Images are ©Mario Stiehl and Team Novo Nordisk