Novo Nordisk Launches World’s First All-Diabetes Professional Cycling Team

Novo Nordisk, a focused healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care, today announced a unique partnership to form Team Novo Nordisk, a global sports team with more than 100 cyclists, triathletes and runners who all have diabetes, spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes pro-cycling team.

Team Novo Nordisk will use life experiences and competitiveness to motivate people affected by diabetes. Throughout 2013, these athletes will compete in more than 500 sporting competitions around the world. The men’s pro-cycling team will compete in races such as the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Tour of Britain and the Paris-Tours, with the ultimate goal of joining the Tour de France.

“As part of our long-standing Changing Diabetes programme, this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness, and educate, empower and inspire people with diabetes,” says Jakob Riis, senior vice president, Global Marketing and Global Medical Affairs, Novo Nordisk. “This is yet another way Novo Nordisk is striving to create more opportunities to live well with diabetes.”

Phil Southerland founded what was known as ‘Team Type 1’ in 2005 and included riders and athletes with and without diabetes until this year. The new Team Novo Nordisk will only comprise of athletes who have diabetes and will continue to grow the team mission “to instil hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes.”

“As Team Novo Nordisk we want to show the world what is possible with great diabetes control. Between us, Team Novo Nordisk has over 1,000 diagnosed years of diabetes with no complications and we stand for what life with diabetes can be like,” Southerland says. “Exercise is that billion dollar drug that nobody ever gets prescribed, and in my experience is the best of them all. With appropriate diet, exercise, treatment and technology, anyone with diabetes can achieve their dreams.”