Team Novo Nordisk Inspires Children Living with Diabetes in Turkey

Stage 4 of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey proved to be the most grueling challenge of the race so far. The day’s route launched almost immediately into a demanding ascent from the start line in Marmaris, ultimately accumulating a punishing 2,961 meters of climbing. The stage concluded with a mountaintop finish in Akyaka, testing the endurance and strategy of every rider in the peloton.

Italian rider Filippo Ridolfo, who delivered a strong performance with a 10th place finish on the previous stage, described the day’s racing as explosive – made even more unpredictable by rain that added an extra layer of complexity to the already difficult terrain. Despite feeling strong, Ridolfo made the tactical decision to hold back and preserve his energy for upcoming stages that better suit his strengths. He ultimately led Team Novo Nordisk home in 48th place, keeping the bigger picture in focus.

Beyond the race itself, the day carried a deeper emotional significance for the riders of Team Novo Nordisk – the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. Before the stage began, the team had the opportunity to meet a group of children living with type 1 diabetes in Turkey. 

Moments like these serve as powerful reminders of the team’s mission: to inspire, educate, and empower everyone affected by diabetes around the world. For the riders, connecting with young fans who share their diagnosis brings a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the finish line.

Filippo Ridolfo shared his thoughts after the stage:

“It was a really tough day right from the beginning. The stage opened with a climb, and the group split pretty early on. David and I were close to the front initially, but once the rain came down, things got even more dangerous. There were a lot of crashes on the descents, so we chose to ride more conservatively and save our legs for the next stages, which we believe will suit us better.”

“Before the stage, we had the chance to meet some children living with type 1 diabetes. They had great questions and it was really meaningful to spend a few minutes chatting with them. This is what our team is all about – we race to show what’s possible with diabetes, and moments like that remind us why we do what we do. It was a special way to start the day.”