Competing on the same level as some of the best in the world in spite of a debilitating disease is an incredible feat in and of itself. Winning while doing so, however, provides another layer of credibility that makes the achievement even harder to ignore.
That’s where Team Novo Nordisk find themselves after earning their first major victory in cycling.
The outfit, which consist entirely of riders who suffer from Type 1 diabetes, featured atop the podium at the end of the Dubai Tour as Quentin Valognes donned the intermediate sprint jersey.
Since forming as a professional team in 2008 and then becoming the first-ever pro team with an all-diabetes roster in 2013, Team Novo Nordisk have raised awareness for diabetes by competing in major tours around the globe.
But their triumph at the Dubai Tour was a much-deserved breakthrough and a high point for their battle against diabetes.
“It’s inspiration, education, power and motivation to the UAE and the world,” a beaming Phil Southerland, Team Novo Nordisk CEO and co-founder, told Sport360°.
Great to meet Erin (diagnosed with #diabetes at 20 months) at #DubaiTour!
— Team Novo Nordisk (@teamnovonordisk) February 10, 2018
“Meeting Quentin and the team was inspiring,” Erin’s mom said, “and it makes him happy to know there are athletes with diabetes doing amazing things. He will never forget this day.” #ChangingDiabetes pic.twitter.com/sDGAEoC9uS
The outfit’s previous highlight wins were on stage two of the 2015 Le Tour de Filipinas and other stages in various events.
While expectations had gradually increased, Southerland stated the team’s hopes at the Dubai Tour were relatively modest: get a couple of top-10 finishes and feature on a few of the breakaways.
They made good on those goals, but the chance to grab the intermediate sprint classification crystalised after the fourth stage and on the final day, Valognes brought home the jersey by taking second in the first sprint before claiming the decider.
For Southerland, it’s difficult to overstate the value of the exposure created by their win and performance in Dubai.
“To have five days in the breakaway, five day of television time with all the announcers around the world saying ‘every rider on this team has diabetes, they’re racing and competing against the best in the world’, it’s legitimising diabetes and what’s possible when you take control of this disease,” said Southerland.
“I hope some kid here was inspired he can be a champion too and they go out and pursue their dreams.”
Fittingly, Team Novo Nordisk’s success also came in the UAE, where diabetes is an epidemic.
Though the hunger for fitness has consistently grown in the nation, Emiratis and expatriates remain at risk of unhealthy lifestyles and diets, often leading to diabetes.
In Southerland’s eyes, the Dubai Tour is a mechanism for promoting an active lifestyle through the sport of cycling.
“There unfortunately are a lot of people here affected by diabetes,” Southerland said. “A lot of the youth are at risk and the bike is the cure. If we can get people on the bike, get people active and exercising, then we can stop diabetes and help people live long, healthy lives.
“I think the Dubai Sports Council having this race and showing the power of exercise over the week, it’s a very smart investment they’ve made. I hope they continue to make it year after year so we can continue to bring this inspiration. And one day it’s going to be a kid with diabetes from the UAE who’s going to be racing in our team and that’s when the grand dream will come true.”
As ecstatic as Team Novo Nordisk are for what they achieved in Dubai, Southerland believes it’s only the beginning.
They’ll head to the Abu Dhabi Tour next and then continue on their calendar, with their ambition providing more than enough motivation.
“Today is a small dream come true,” Southerland said. “Now it’s time for the next one.”
