Peron returns to make season debut in Taiwan
06 March 2024
Team Novo Nordisk captain and 2022 GP Kranj winner Andrea Peron is set to finally make his first competitive appearance of 2024 at the Tour de Taiwan on Sunday, after the 35-year-old Italian spent January and February recovering from broken ribs sustained on a training ride on the picturesque slopes of Monte Grappa.
“It’s been a frustrating start to the year to say the least,” began Peron. “I had an unfortunate crash descending Monte Grappa just before January training camp, broke a couple of ribs and was forced off the bike to recover.”
“Obviously it could have been worse and I’m thankful that it was only broken ribs, but from a performance point of view it set me back. I’d had a good winter up until then and was looking forward to doing Valenciana as an opener, but it didn’t work out that way, so bring on Taiwan and let’s do the best we can.”
The 21st edition of one of Asia’s premier stage races will cover close to 670km over five days of racing with experienced climber David Lozano lining up alongside Peron and returning to a race he enjoys.
“We are very happy to have Andrea back racing,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “He’s our captain and our most consistent performer and the Tour de Taiwan will provide the perfect opportunity for him to get back to the rhythm of racing.”
New Zealander Hamish Beadle came the closest he’s ever been to a first professional victory in Taiwan last year, dramatically caught by the marauding peloton 200m from the line on stage four, after spending a day on the attack in the breakaway. The 25-year-old Kiwi will be looking for more of the same this time around and completes the team alongside neo pro’s Nathan Smith and Doriand Percrule.
“From past editions we know that there are different possibilities here for us in Taiwan,” concluded Davidenko. “The terrain can lend itself both to punchy days in the breakaway and chances in the sprint. Hamish produced some good performances here last year and that will give him confidence to approach the race looking for more openings to shine. We’re looking forward to it.”
Team Novo Nordisk at the Tour de Taiwan, 10th – 14th March:
Hamish Beadle (NZL, 25)
David Lozano (ESP, 35)
Doriand Percrule (FR, 24)
Andrea Peron (IT, 35)
Nathan Smith (GBR, 23)
Stages
Sunday 10th March, Stage 1: Taipei – Taipei, 83.2km
Monday 11th March, Stage 2: Taoyuan – Jiaobanshan park, 115.5km
Tuesday 12th March, Stage 3: Xinpu – Shigang, 154.3km
Wednesday 13th March, Stage 4: Nantou City – Yuchi (Sun Moon Lake) 167.2km
Thursday 14th March, Stage 5: Kaohsiung City – Kaohsiung City, 146.4km