Novo Nordisk to create the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team

Thursday, 06 December 2012

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."

About Diabetes
Today, 371 million people are living with diabetes.(1) Changing Diabetes® is Novo Nordisk's 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.

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 89 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.

1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 5th Edition, 2012 Update. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation.