Team Novo Nordisk head to China for the Tour of Shanghai

Team Novo Nordisk go straight from the Philadelphia Cycling Classic into a long-haul trip east, with the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team lining up for the Tour of Shanghai, running from 4-6 September. The three-day race has become a regular and productive fixture on the team’s calendar in recent seasons, and the squad arrive in China full of confidence after a strong showing on home roads at the weekend.

The race is built for the sprinters, with three short, fast stages expected to come down to bunch finishes. It’s exactly the kind of racing where Team Novo Nordisk have found success in Asia before, and the roster reflects that ambition, a blend of experienced heads and hungry young talent looking to make their mark.

Italian captain Andrea Peron leads the line-up, bringing a wealth of experience to a squad built around several of the team’s younger riders. He’ll be flanked by French sprinter Celestin Wattelle, who arrives with real form after already picking up a top-ten result in Asia earlier this season, and stagiere Richard Rundva, up from the development team to gain some valuable race experience with the pro team.

“After a great day of racing in Philadelphia on Sunday we head straight to the Tour of Shanghai with momentum and high morale,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “China has been good to us in recent years and with Andrea heading up a young team we have the important mix of youth and experience.”

The GM also pointed to the reception the team can expect on the ground, with cycling’s profile in the region continuing to grow.

“Racing in Asia is always a fantastic experience and the cycling community has been growing steadily there over the last few years, the reception on the ground is always excellent and we are lucky to receive strong support there.”

Davidenko is backing the team’s sprint options to make the most of a course tailor-made for a fast finish.

“Three short and fast stages that will definitely favor the sprinters and with Celestin already achieving a top ten in Asia this year, we have another fast rider who knows what to expect in these type of races.”

Team Novo Nordisk at Tour of Shanghai, 4-6 September:

Donovan Mackie (AUS, 18)
Quinten De Graeve (BEL, 25)
Bailey McDonald (AUS, 23)
Celestin Wattelle (FR, 22)
Andrea Peron (IT, 37)
Richard Rundva (EST, 20)