Peron and Ridolfo ready to race at Tour de la Provence

Two of Team Novo Nordisk’s key riders start their 2026 season in France at the Tour de la Provence this week with both Andrea Peron and Filippo Ridolfo ready to get the wheels rolling in the three day race.

“It’s always exciting goung into the first race of the season, even after all these years,” began Peron. “I was thinking about this sensation recently, this will be my 14th season as professional cyclist and I’ve spent my enire career with Team Novo Nordisk. Not only is that special and an achievement in itself, but what’s remarkable is the feeling as the first race approaches, the same buzz and nervousness that I had all those years ago.”

Peron will be joined by compatriot Ridolfo for the tenth edition of the Provencal race, with both Italians enjoying strong support from Australians Declan Irvine and Bailey McDonald and Belgian Quinten De Graeve. Home rider Celestin Wattelle and Verona native Umberto Poli complete the roster for the worlds first all diabetes professional cycling team.

Three days of racing run from Friday through Sunday with the start coming in the historic port of Marseille with an opening stage all set for a sprint in Saint-Victoret before a summit finish atop the Montagne de Lure on stage two and a lomg final day of racing over 200 kilometers for a fast finale in the ancient Roman city of Arles on Sunday.

“It was solid start for us in Valenciana last week and there’s been a few days turn around between our next race, the Tour de la Provence,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “We have new guys coming in ready to start their seasons in France including Andrea and Filippo, two of our leaders and we have expectations for them to perform.”

“The Tour de la Provence is a good place for these guys to start their calendar, three hard days of racing with what should be two sprint days bookending a hilly climbing stage. Good opportunities for us to get in the breakaway and also try to show ourselves at least twice in the finals. Let’s start positively and make the most of our chances.”

Team Novo Nordisk at Tour de la Provence, 13th – 15th February:

Quinten de Graeve (BEL, 24)

Declan Irvine (AUS, 26)

Bailey McDonald (AUS, 22)

Andrea Peron (ITA, 37)

Umberto Poli (ITA, 29)

Filippo Ridolfo (ITA, 24)

Celestin Wattelle (FRA, 22)

Stages:

Friday 13th February, Stage 1: Marseille – Saint Victoret, 163km

Saturday 14th February, Stage 2: Forcalquier – Montagne de Lure, 174.9km

Sunday 15th February, Stage 3: Rognac – Arles, 205.km