TNN Set For First Spring Classic at Milan-San Remo

Race: Milan-San Remo

Country: Italy

Total Distance: 291 kilometers

Race Class: WT

Team Novo Nordisk returns to the prestigious Milan-San Remo on Saturday, March 17th. Milan-San Remo, also known as La Classica Primavera, is the longest one-day race on the UCI calendar and this year’s edition serves as Team Novo Nordisk’s fourth consecutive appearance. In 2015 and 2016, Team Novo Nordisk’s Andrea Peron rode in the main breakaway while in 2017 and after a last-minute call-up to replace Peron, fellow Italian Umberto Poli made the break.

“Confidence and previous experience at Milan-San Remo is a key part of our strategy going into this year’s race,” Team Novo Nordisk Senior Vice President of Athletics Vassili Davidenko said. “It is always a huge honor to be selected as a wildcard team and we want to maximize the opportunity, display our gratitude to RCS, and show the world what is possible when racing with diabetes.”

The first and oldest of the five Monuments, Milan-San Remo is known for its sheer unpredictability. Referred to as the Sprinter’s Classic due to its primarily flat course, the course features two notable climbs, the Cipressa and Poggio, situated late in the race. They typically prove to be decisive and reduce the peloton down to an elite front group.

“Similar to previous years, we want to put a rider in the breakaway. This race is viewed all over the world and showcasing our jersey off the front for hours helps us share our mission of inspiring, educating and empowering everyone affected by diabetes,” Davidenko said. “We hope everyone watching sees the Changing Diabetes jersey and knows that diabetes isn’t an obstacle and people can still achieve their dreams with the condition. On Saturday, we will show up to the start ready to race, motivated to do our best and hope luck is on our side.”

Italian neo-pro Poli made his first Milan-San Remo appearance in 2017 when he received a late-race call-up. He started as the youngest rider in the race and proudly brought worldwide attention to the Team Novo Nordisk jersey. Poli rounded out a successful debut season as a pro when he earned his first top 10 result at a UCI 2.HC categorized race after sprinting to 10^th on Stage 4 of the Tour of Hainan.

“As an Italian, Milan-San Remo is personally such an important and special race, but it is also one of the biggest day’s of the year for the team. I’m motivated and ready to give it my best,” Poli said. “My goal this year will be to make the break or help one of my teammates get off the front. From there, I can’t wait to tackle the Cipressa and Poggio.” 

**Team Novo Nordisk’s official roster will be announced 12 hours before the race start.