TNN Eager for 6th PostNord Danmark Rundt Appearance
25 July 2018
Race: PostNord Danmark Rundt – Tour of Denmark (August 1-5, 2018)
Country: Denmark
Total Distance: 787 kilometers
Race Class: 2.HC
Now racing its sixth consecutive PostNord Danmark Rundt, Team Novo Nordisk is eager to animate the Danish race that is home to the team’s title sponsor Novo Nordisk when the five-day event kicks off on August 1st in Aalborg.
“The Tour of Denmark is very special for us. We are racing at the home of Novo Nordisk, which brings an added pressure to perform well in front of our fans and supporters,” said Team Novo Nordisk Senior Vice President of Athletics Vassili Davidenko. “We know the roads and know what to expect during this race, so we adjusted our preparation accordingly. But even with all that knowledge, there are always surprises to handle.”
For 2018, the Tour of Denmark returns to its normal slot of mid to late summer on the UCI schedule after taking place in September last year and experiencing severe weather that led to one stage being cancelled.
“August is a good month for racing in Denmark. We hope for good weather but know to be ready for any weather we may experience during the race,” Davidenko explained.
Nineteen teams will contest the 28th edition of the UCI 2.HC race, including two World Tour teams and 11 Pro Continental squads. Team Novo Nordisk’s roster features Sam Brand (GBR-Isle of Man), Fabio Calabria (AUS), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA), Umberto Poli (ITA) and Chris Williams (AUS). Brand and Poli are making their PostNord Danmark Rundt debut.
Taking on his fourth PostNord Danmark Rundt is Australian Chris Williams who knows that the Tour of Denmark is always very unpredictable.
“Even though the stages are similar each year, the weather can change from day-to-day, and that changes the race. Wind, rain, small roads and lots of corners make for exciting racing,” Williams said. “Racing in Denmark always gives us extra motivation because it is the home of Novo Nordisk and they always come out in large numbers to support us, so we want to do the best we can for them.
The five-stage PostNord Danmark Rundt is switching around its route and will begin for the sixth time in the northern Jutland city of Aalborg. The 214-kilometer opening stage starts and finishes in Aalborg and will take the peloton past some beautiful Danish scenery before three finishing laps.
Team Novo Nordisk Roster PostNord Danmark Rundt -Tour of Denmark (August 1-5):
Sam Brand (GBR-Isle of Man), Fabio Calabria (AUS), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA), Umberto Poli (ITA), Chris Williams (AUS)
Sport Director: Vassili Davidenko (USA), Massimo Podenzana (ITA)