DOB 19-07-1996
AGE OF DIAGNOSIS 6
Use your difference to make THE difference!
PROFILE
Former professional rider and current Team Novo Nordisk ambassador Quentin Valognes is the living example of Team Novo Nordisk’s mission. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at six years old did not stop him from chasing his dreams, and by age 12, he was already competing and quickly grew into a strong sprinter on the track. At 16, Valognes was introduced to Team Novo Nordisk’s predecessor, Team Type 1 and the Frenchman saw he didn’t need to fight against his diabetes, but instead could embrace it.
Valognes’ roots run deep when it comes to cycling. His father is famed French commentator Didier Valognes; his brother is the current French National Champion in cyclocross and his younger sister races on the French National Team. The Frenchman describes the themes of his childhood as respect, honesty, and effort.
In 2013, Valognes attended one of Team Novo Nordisk’s summer Talent ID programs in the United States and went on to spend four years with the team’s development program before debuting in the pro ranks as a stagiaire in late 2016. As a professional rider, Valognes won the Dubai Tour UAE Intermediate Sprint Jersey (2018) and as a junior earned wins at Stage 5 and Stage 6 of Canada’s Tour de l’Abitibi Desjardins (2014) and a podium finish at the French National Keirin Championship (2014).
Valognes grew up believing cyclists were heroes and always dreamed of becoming a pro. Off the bike, Valognes enjoys learning foreign languages, spending time with his friends and family and reading books.