Team Novo Nordisk set for season finale at Japan Cup
12 October 2022
For the first time since 2019 Team Novo Nordisk travel to Utsunomiya in Japan for the 29th edition of the prestigious one day race the Japan Cup. After a three-year enforced hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic Asia’s most prominent one day event returns as the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team look to end the 2022 season as they began…on a high and at the forefront of the global mission to driving change in diabetes.
Tour du Rwanda stage winner David Lozano will lead the line alongside the experienced former Finnish and Hungarian national road champions Joonas Henttala and Peter Kusztor.
“It’s incredible when you stop for a moment and think about it,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “Three years since we last raced at Japan Cup and it seems like yesterday. A lot has happened in between and we’re very excited to finally be back racing in Asia, I can’t think of a better way to wrap up our 2022 season.”
“We are focused on ending this year as we started, with a good team performance and the best result possible. In terms of consistent results across the board this has been one of our best seasons and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for us to race well at Saturday’s criterium and at the main event on Sunday.”
British stalwart Sam Brand and Utah’s very own Logan Phippen complete the line up with the versatile and inspired New Zealander Hamish Beadle.
“Here we are. The last race pf what’s been a great season for us,” began Lozano. “Personally, I’m really looking forward to racing in Japan again, the crowds are awesome there and the interaction we have with the diabetes community is always incredibly inspiring.”
“It sounds like a cliché because we say it every year, but it’s been a long season and the legs are feeling it now. We have had a very positive year and it would be fantastic if we can finish with a good result at the Japan Cup, of course it will be a tough race…have you seen the circuits?! Every race is challenging these days and the level gets higher and higher, but we’re excited to be wrapping up the season on Japanese roads in front of Japanese fans, so let’s try to put on a show.”
Team Novo Nordisk at the Japan Cup Sunday 16th October:
Hamish Beadle (NZL, 24)
Sam Brand (GBR, 31)
Joonas Henttala (FIN, 31)
Peter Kusztor (HUN, 37)
David Lozano (ESP, 33)
Logan Phippen (USA, 30)