VANCOUVER, June 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team, is set to compete in BC Superweek, starting on Friday, July 4, and finishing on Sunday, July 13, in Vancouver and surrounding areas.
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.
BC Superweek is one of the most prestigious Pro-Cycling Series in North America. The series consists of the Tour de Delta, UBC Grand Prix, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby and the Tour de White Rock; a total of nine races over 10 days.
As a co-founder of Team Novo Nordisk's predecessor, Joe Eldridge brings depth both on and off the bike to Team Novo Nordisk. A former U.S. track national champion (team pursuit, 2012), Eldridge displays his power in the sprints at criteriums and single-day classics. "Don't let diabetes hold you back," said Eldridge. "Don't use it as an excuse for anything."
During the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix on Wednesday, July 9th, Team Novo Nordisk representatives will be on site at the athlete's village with giveaways and information on how Team Novo Nordisk is Changing Diabetes®. Stop by the tent to show your support, learn more and to pick up your Team Novo Nordisk gear.
"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, co-founder and CEO, Team Novo Nordisk. "This is our second 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."
The timings, results and full details of all races will be reported on teamnovonordisk.com, and supporters can also follow the team on facebook.com/TeamNovoNordisk, twitter.com/TeamNovoNordisk or on Instagram with hashtag #DiabetesEmpowered.
"Novo Nordisk is very proud of the unique Team Novo Nordisk partnership," said Jakob Riis, executive vice president, Marketing & Medical Affairs, Novo Nordisk. "As part of our long-standing Changing Diabetes® program, the athletes are raising awareness of the diabetes pandemic and inspiring millions of people affected by diabetes around the world."
Team Novo Nordisk's medical director, Dr. Rafael Castol will be in town during the race, and is available for interview to speak about the team's medical program.
Team Novo Nordisk
The Team Novo Nordisk professional men's cycling team roster for 2014 in BC includes:
Stephen Clancy (Ireland); Ruud Cremers (Netherlands); Joe Eldridge (USA); Ben Dilley (USA); Justin Morris (Australia) and Aaron Perry (New Zealand).
About Changing Diabetes®
Today, 382 million people are living with diabetes, which is predicted to rise to 592 million in less than 25 years.1 By 2020 it is expected that 3.7 million Canadians will be diagnosed with diabetes in Canada; 9.9 per cent of the population.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.
About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk employs approximately 38,000 employees in 75 countries, and markets its products in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca.
Notes to editor:
Team biographies, backgrounder and photography available on request.
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References
1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 6th Edition, 2013 Update. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation. Available from: www.idf.org/diabetesatlas. Last accessed: January 2014.
2. An economic tsunami, the cost of diabetes in Canada. Canadian Diabetes Association. Available from: http://www.diabetes.ca/CDA/media/documents/publications-and-newsletters/advocacy-reports/economic-tsunami-cost-of-diabetes-in-canada-english.pdf. Last accessed: May 2014.
Image with caption: "Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team, races in upcoming BC Superweek. (CNW Group/Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140624_C1262_PHOTO_EN_3865.jpg
SOURCE: Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
or to arrange an interview, please contact: Media: Amanda Federchuk, Consultant, GCI Group, 416-486-7231, [email protected]
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