Team Novo Nordisk is set to make its first appearance at the Volta ao Algarve, a five-day stage race starting in Lagos, Portugal on February 17th.

“This is our first time in Portugal and our first time racing at the Volta ao Algarve. We’re all happy about the opportunity to be at another multi-day event with warm weather,” Team Novo Nordisk Senior Vice President of Athletics Vassili Davidenko said. “The wide open race profile is appealing and I think this race will allow our riders to continue to find their form. It’s also worth noting, this will be our first time racing a time trial on our new Colnago K-Zeros.”

Following back-to-back races in Australia and the Dubai Tour, Team Novo Nordisk is taking an eight-man squad that brings both youth and experience to Portugal. The roster includes neo-pro Corentin Cherhal (FRA), sprinters Andrea Peron (ITA) and Martijn Verschoor (NED), and overall classification riders Charles Planet (FRA) and Javier Megias (ESP). Helping these riders will be breakaway strongman David Lozano (ESP) and domestiques Stephen Clancy (IRL) and Joonas Henttala (FIN).

“We are bringing a well-balanced team prepared for all the scenarios that may occur during the five-day race,” Davidenko said. “Our sprinting duo of Martijn and Andrea are ready to garner top places in the fast finishes and Javier and Charles are eager to take on the mountain finishes.”

After starring in the main breakaway on Stage 3 of the Dubai Tour, Lozano is motivated to showcase the Team Novo Nordisk jersey for the first time in Portugal.

“Everyone gets excited to start a new race, especially when we will be up against so many big teams that are preparing for the Spring classics. We want to grow as a team and this is the perfect way to race harder, faster and build our legs,” Lozano said. “The profile should suit both Javier and I and we will try to do our best on the uphill finishes. I want to be in the breakaway one day and help my teammates as much as I can.”

The 42nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve features two summit finishes, two sprint stages and an individual time trial. The 743.2-kilometer race kicks off with Stage 1, a 163.6-km sprint stage running from Lagos to Albufeira.

Team Novo Nordisk Roster Volta ao Algarve (Feb 17-21):

Stephen Clancy (IRL), Corentin Cherhal (FRA), Joonas Henttala (FIN), David Lozano (ESP), Javier Megias (ESP), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA) and Martijn Verschoor (NED).