World’s First All-Diabetes
Professional Cycling Team
Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk announced a historic extension to its partnership with Team Novo Nordisk, extending its commitment to the first-ever all-diabetes professional cycling team for three more years. The new extension will run through 2023, which will include both the 100th anniversary since the discovery of insulin and celebrate Novo Nordisk’s 100th year anniversary as a company. Team Novo Nordisk is composed of 16 professional athletes from 12 countries, a development team, a Talent ID pipeline with over 70 young athletes from 25 countries, and nearly a dozen ambassadors all living with type 1 diabetes.
“We truly have the most supportive and engaged sponsor in bike racing. Through our partnership, we have worked hard to deliver value and impact to the world over the past eight years. As the world knows, this year has seen one of the biggest crises in recent times, so we feel extra fortunate that they committed to an incredible three-year extension,” said Phil Southerland, Co-Founder and CEO of Team Novo Nordisk. “I am so humbled by their support and eternally grateful that together we will continue to change diabetes for years to come!”
In December 2012, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk partnered with the professional cycling team Team Type 1 to create Team Novo Nordisk based on the shared mission to inspire, educate, and empower people around the world affected by diabetes.
“Novo Nordisk is an amazing company that truly embodies the values and mission of this team. They are fully committed to supporting people living with diabetes and helping them achieve their dreams,” exclaimed Southerland.
Racing as part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) ProSeries, the team aims to increase diabetes awareness with the world’s dedicated cycling fans while also bringing a new audience to cycling through the extensive diabetes community. Currently racing in its eighth season, the new contract will ensure Team Novo Nordisk continues for at least 11 years, extending its place as the longest continuously running American-registered professional cycling team.
“Thanks to Novo Nordisk’s enduring commitment, we have been able to grow this team into a world-class project that competes against the best in the world. With a three-year runway, we can really focus on long-term growth and development of our athletes and the impact that they have on our global diabetes family,” said Phil Southerland. “We are proud to be part of Novo Nordisk’s Changing Diabetes® initiative. Every day, we provide the diabetes community with heroes and show the 463 million people around the world affected by diabetes what may be possible.”
“We are proud to extend our partnership with Team Novo Nordisk until the end of 2023. Team Novo Nordisk is a role model for many children and adults living with diabetes, and is showing to the world how continuous innovation is enabling people with diabetes to live their dreams. With this, our partnership will include both the 100 year celebration of the discovery of insulin as well as the 100 year anniversary of Novo Nordisk as a company,” said Camilla Sylvest, Executive Vice President, Commercial Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Novo Nordisk.
Southerland was personally moved by Novo Nordisk’s willingness to renew early on their current sponsorship and commit to a multi-year deal during such unprecedented times.
“It is through Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to supporting people with diabetes and helping them live their healthiest lives that this team exists. I’m eager to grow, inspire the next generation of heroes living with this condition, and motivate the youth of the world to get active. We know the bike serves as a powerful tool and platform for changing the health of the world.”
Image © Team Novo Nordisk
