Strong Start for Team Novo Nordisk on Stage 1 of Tour of Hainan

Team Novo Nordisk kicked off the Tour of Hainan with an aggressive and tactical ride on Stage 1. Lucas Dauge was a key protagonist in the day’s action, joining a breakaway group mid-race and staying away until just 15 kilometers from the finish.

The stage began with an early breakaway that was caught after about a third of the race. Shortly after, the Frenchman launched another attack with three other riders. “The race was a bit unusual. After the early break was caught, I went with three others and felt good managing my effort for the stages ahead.” – Dauge reflected. The group worked well together and positioned themselves for a sprint finish, but crashes in the final kilometers disrupted the rhythm and split the sprint trains.

Meanwhile, Célestin Wattelle rode a smart and committed race in the peloton. Towards the end, David Lozano did excellent work to bring the team to the front, but in the hectic final turns, Wattelle found himself boxed in between rival teams.

Despite the challenges, Wattelle gave his best in the sprint and remains optimistic about the week ahead: “The race was hot and fast, with a chaotic finish that made it tough to execute our plan. We worked hard, and although today didn’t go perfectly, the team showed great potential. With a few adjustments, we’re confident we can improve and seize opportunities in the coming stages.”

Stage 1 highlighted Team Novo Nordisk’s fighting spirit and tactical awareness. Dauge’s long presence in the breakaway and the team’s collective effort set a strong foundation for the rest of the Tour of Hainan.