World’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team joined Le Tour de Filipinas

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team, competed in Le Tour de Filipinas, which started in Balanga, Bataan, on Feb. 1 and finished in Baguio City on Feb. 4.

The men’s professional cycling team is at the forefront of Team Novo Nordisk, a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners. The team’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes.

“Each race is our opportunity to grow in strength and demonstrate to the world that when you have diabetes you can still follow your dreams,” said Phil Southerland, cofounder and chief executive officer, Team Novo Nordisk. “This is our third season racing as an all-diabetes team and we have high ambitions. We hope to perform well and inspire and empower more people affected by diabetes to take control of their condition and pursue their dreams.”

Five of the 18 members of the Team Novo Nordisk professional men’s cycling team for 2015 competed in Le Tour de Filipinas. They are (in alphabetical order) Scott Ambrose (New Zealand), Stephen Clancy (Ireland), James Glasspool (Australia), Joonas Henttala (Finland) and Simon Strobel (Germany).

Tough, prestigious race

Now on its sixth edition, Le Tour de Filipinas is the only Philippine cycling tournament duly sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale, Philippine Cycling Federation and Asian Cycling Federation.

The four-day race had four stages covering a total distance of 532.50 kilometers. Stage 1 (126 km) on Feb. 1 started in Balanga City, Bataan and circled back to finish in that city. Stage 2 (154.70 km) on Feb. 2 started in Balanga City and finished in Iba, Zambales. Stage 3 (150.10 km) on Feb. 3 started from Iba and finished in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Finally, Stage 4 (101.70 km) on Feb. 4 started from Lingayen and finished in Baguio City.

Thirteen teams from 11 countries competed in the race. These are (in alphabetical order) Attaque Team Gusto of Taiwan, Bridgestone Anchor Cycling Team of Japan, CCN Cycling Team of Brunei, Kazhakhstan National Team, Navitas Satalyst Racing Team of Australia, Pegasus Continental Cycling Team of Indonesia, Philippine National Team, Pishgaman Yazd Pro Cycling Team of Iran, RTS Santic Racing Team of Taiwan, Singha Infinite Cycling Team of Thailand, Team Novo Nordisk of the United States of America, Team 7-Eleven Philippines and Terengganu Cycling Team of Malaysia.

Team Novo Nordisk cyclist Stephen Clancy said: “Le Tour de Filipinas is our first race for 2015. The routes are quite challenging-hilly, mountainous and windy-but we’re ready. The competition is likewise tough, some names are familiar but the others are not. Hopefully we can compete with the best and come out with some good results at the end of the day. Some of the national teams are strong, especially from Australia, but all the teams can challenge for the win.”

“All of us in the team have type 1 diabetes. We want to show that with good diabetes control and management, you can achieve your dreams. Don’t let diabetes hold you back, it’s no obstacle,” Clancy added.

Beat diabetes

“When diagnosed with diabetes, many people think they won’t be able to live life the way they’d hoped. The athletes of Team Novo Nordisk are living proofs that diabetes cannot stop determined human beings from following their dreams and competing at the top level,” said Jeppe Theisen, Novo Nordisk Philippines general manager.

The other members of Team Novo Nordisk professional men’s cycling team roster for 2015 are Andrea Peron (Italy), Ben Dilley (United States), Charles Planet (France), Chris Williams (Australia), Corentin Cherhal (France), David Lozano (Spain), Gerd de Keijzer (the Netherlands), Javier Megias (Spain), Kevin De Mesmaeker (Belgium), Martijn Verschoor (the Netherlands), Nicolas Lefrancois (France), Ruud Cremers (the Netherlands) and Thomas Raeymaekers (Belgium).

‘Changing Diabetes’

Today, 387 million people are living with diabetes, which is predicted to rise to 592 million by 2035.

The Philippines is among the top 15 countries with the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the world. More than four million Filipinos are diagnosed diabetics, and many more are unaware they have the disease.

Changing Diabetes is the Novo Nordisk global commitment to improve conditions for the millions of people who live with diabetes around the world today, and those who are at risk of developing diabetes tomorrow.