Over the weekend, Team Novo Nordisk’s men’s professional cycling team headed to San Diego for what they thought was a regular early 2016 training camp. Instead, the eighteen athletes from 10 countries were woken up at 4AM West Coast US time Monday to take part in a series of rigorous team-building exercises led by former US Navy Seals and special operators. 

APG (Acumen Performance Group) are currently leading the Team Novo Nordisk athletes through a 36-hour intensive development program that is designed to promote leadership and team building. The program was founded by former US Navy Seals and special operators and specializes in enhancing performance in a dynamic, high stress environment.

On Wednesday, the athletes will join the entire Team Novo Nordisk staff in Rosarito, Mexico to meet two families tragically impacted by diabetes and poverty. The group will work together to build houses for both families in an effort to provide them with a stronger foundation to tackle their challenges. The house building will take place on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20.

The end goal for the week is a mentally tougher group of athletes who have gained valuable team skills and are ready to take on the 2016 season together.