Laigueglia looms large for Team Novo Nordisk as 2023 season takes off
26 February 2023
2022 GP Kranj winner Andrea Peron is champing at the bit to start racing and as a respectful admirer of tradition, the 34-year-old Italian understands all too well the significance of starting the new season at the historic Trofeo Laigueglia and more importantly, starting strongly.
“For many years Laigueglia was the first race of the season for a lot of professional riders, not just Italians, and I’m aware of that,” said Peron. “It’s an important race to start the season with and a challenging one with the hilly parcours – not many guys finish – so I’m excited and anxious at the same time.”
Peron will be supported by compatriots Filippo Ridolfo and Umberto Poli with 20-year-old Czech star Matyas Kopecky providing more firepower for Team Novo Nordisk.
“It’s great for these guys to be starting their 2023 season at a historic semi-classic like Trofeo Laigueglia,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “I appreciate the history and I hope the boys do too, because it’s a privilege to be starting your season in a race like this, especially in the 60th edition.”
“We’ve had a good start over at the Tour du Rwanda and these guys can take inspiration from their teammates there and do their best to start their calendars in the same positive fashion.”
Former Finnish champion Joonas Henttala completes the line up alongside Antipodean duo Hamish Beadle and Declan Irvine with all three riders eager to start racing on the front foot.
“I had a good winter training, preparing,” concluded Peron. “Now it’s time to see if the good work can translate into good performances. I don’t have huge expectations for Laigueglia, it’s an important race, but not a sprinters course. So, the objective will be to get some intensity and racing rhythm in the legs ahead of our spring goals.”
Team Novo Nordisk at Trofeo Laigueglia,1st March:
Hamish Beadle (NZ, 24)
Joonas Henttala (FIN, 31)
Declan Irvine (AUS, 23)
Matyas Koppecky (CZ, 20)
Andrea Peron (IT, 34)
Umberto Poli (IT, 26)
Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 21)