Tour of Shanghai – Team Novo Nordisk Secures Team Classification Win

The final stage of the Tour of Shanghai wrapped up with a strong collective performance from Team Novo Nordisk, highlighted by Hamish Beadle sprinting to 10th place, Alessandro Perracchione finishing close behind in 11th, and Célestin Wattelle in 26th. The consistency across the week ensured the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team secured victory in the Team General Classification.

The short stage began with a 7km neutral zone, and unlike the previous days, racing settled into a steadier rhythm. Early attacks were less aggressive, but the peloton stayed vigilant, especially with the threat of crosswinds blowing in from the coast. Around the halfway point, a small group managed to escape, though Team Novo Nordisk kept a strong position and remained alert.

The tension grew in the final 30 kilometers as the race picked up speed. With 10km to go, the team worked to stay in the front 10 riders, well-placed to contest the sprint. Wattelle delivered a powerful lead-out in the closing kilometers, guiding Beadle into position before peeling off at 500 meters to go. Beadle sprinted home for a top-10 result, with Perracchione just behind.

“Today was the last chance for us, so it was really nice to pull a top 10. In hindsight, I think top 5 was possible. The boys did great with covering the right moves, getting bottles, and being present in the early breaks. Célestin did an awesome job in the last 4km and put me in perfect place with 500m to go. All in all, it’s been a good week, and to take out the Team GC was the icing on the cake,” said Beadle.

For Team Novo Nordisk, the Tour of Shanghai proved to be a rewarding week of racing, with resilient teamwork across all three stages culminating in a prestigious Team Classification victory.