Team Novo Nordisk is Changing Diabetes® as part of BC Superweek
The world’s first all-diabetes professional athletic team to attend Canada’s biggest cycling series
There’s never a shortage of intriguing stories heading into BC Superweek and 2013 is no different. Many teams attending look to use their stature in the cycling world to focus attention on other issues – one of those teams is Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional athletic team.
Team Novo Nordisk is a global sports team comprised of cyclists, triathletes and runners who are all living with diabetes, fronted by the professional cycling team. The squad includes 17 professional all-diabetes riders from 10 different countries, including winners and podium finishers from professional races around the world. Team Novo Nordisk’s mission is to educate, empower and inspire those affected by diabetes.
Team Novo Nordisk’s professional cycling team is set to compete in BC Superweek, a multi-stage race starting with Tour de Delta on July 5th and finishing with Tour de White Rock on July 14th, including the legendary Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix on Wednesday, July 10th.
“Team Novo Nordisk is racing as part of our long-standing Changing Diabetes® programme, which aims to create awareness about and address the diabetes pandemic which affects 371 million people worldwide, and their families,” says Jakob Riis, Executive Vice President Global Marketing, Novo Nordisk.
BC Superweek consists of five stages around the Lower Mainland of British Columbia over 10 days. The timings, results and full details of all races will be reported on www.teamnovonordisk.com, and supporters can also follow the team at www.facebook.com/TeamNovoNordisk and www.twitter.com/TeamNovoNordisk. Sasseville will also be on hand at the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix.
“This team continues to grow in strength, and each race allows us to build on our competition experience as an all-diabetes team,” says Phil Southerland, Team Novo Nordisk co-founder and CEO. “When diagnosed with diabetes, many people think that it means they won’t be able to live a normal life and realize their dreams, but Team Novo Nordisk shows that, with good control, anything is possible.”
Sasseville also shares his incredible and inspirational story from being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to reaching the summit of Mount Everest and competing as a professional athlete. This event is at the Vancouver Westin Grand Hotel on July 8th at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend this free event and parking will be validated.
Team Novo Nordisk
The Team Novo Nordisk professional men’s cycling team roster for 2013 includes:
Fabio Calabria (Australia), Andrea Ciacchini (Italy), Stephen Clancy (Ireland), Paolo Cravanzola (Italy), Joe Eldridge (USA), Joonas Henttala (Finland), David Lozano Riba (Spain), Javier Megias Leal (Spain), Kevin De Mesmaeker (Belgium), Justin Morris (Australia), Andrea Peron (Italy), Aaron Perry (New Zealand), Thomas Raeymaekers (Belgium), Branden Russell (USA), Andrei Strelkov (Russia), Martijn Verschoor (Netherlands), Chris Williams (Australia).
About Diabetes
Today, an estimated 371 million people are living with diabetes,1 including approximately 3 million in Canada.2 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. It is a global advocacy and partner platform which advocates for the prevention and early detection of diabetes, as well as improved treatment, care and health outcomes.