Team Novo Nordisk follow Kusztor home and head to the Tour de Hongrie
08 May 2023
One week stage racing continues for Team Novo Nordisk as the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team make the familiar journey east for the 44th edition of the Tour de Hongrie.
Five stages of competitive racing await with local legend Peter Kusztor defying the ageing process one more time to make another appearance in his home tour, and the former Hungarian champion is set to be a key road captain with Italian sprinter Andrea Peron and 20-year-old Matyas Kopecky looking to compete in the fast finishes.
“Of course I love my home race,” said Kusztor. “And for the last couple of years I keep thinking ok maybe this is my last Tour de Hongrie..make sure to enjoy it, but thankfully here I am again and here we are as a team.”
“I’m 38 now and with the support of my family, my team and also by living with a healthy diet and lifestyle not only am I still racing at a high level, I’m also managing my diabetes in the best way I know how. Above all that’s what we want to show this week in Hungary.”
After coming within one point of winning the Tour de Hongrie climbers jersey in 2021, Spaniard David Lozano is returning to form at the right time as puncheur Charles Planet is slowly finding his place in the bunch again. Two key riders for a key race, with 21-year-old breakaway starlet Filippo Ridolfo completing the team.
“The Tour de Hongrie is always a highlight on our calendar,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “2023 will be no different and the competition looks to be of the highest level this year with nine WorldTour teams taking part. We will need to bring our A-game for sure.”
“The whole team has been working hard and racing well so far this season and it’s important that we race with confidence next week to repeat the success we have had in Hungary in the past. We have a strong, balanced team lining up and the mix of youth and experience will give us some important versatility.”
Covering close to 900km and starting in the westernmost town in Hungary, Szentgotthard and heading east and inland to the familiar rolling hills around Lake Balaton before what’s set to be a thrilling finale in central Budapest.
“I love this race,” concluded Kusztor. “And we want to race to the best of our ability and try to get a result, but our message and our mission to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes is the partner of our athletic ability and what a partnership that can be.”
Team Novo Nordisk at the Tour de Hongrie 10th-14th May:
David Lozano (ESP, 34)
Matyas Kopecky (CZ, 20)
Peter Kusztor (HUN, 38)
Andrea Peron (IT, 34)
Charles Planet (FR, 29)
Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 21)
Stages:
Wednesday 10th May, Stage 1: Szentgotthard – Szentgotthard, 167.4km
Thursday 11th May, Stage 2: Zalaegerszeg – Keszthely, 175.3km
Friday 12th May, Stage 3: Kaposvar – Pecs, 179.9km
Saturday 13th May, Stage 4: Martonvasar – Dobogoko, 206.4km Sunday 14th May, Stage 5: Budapest – Budapest, 150km