News | Press Releases

December 23, 2024

Riders’ Health and Safety: Canon Medical Systems Europe Partners with Soudal Quick-Step - AG Insurance Soudal - and DEVO Teams for Comprehensive Medical Screening in Calpe

Amstelveen, the Netherlands, December 23, 2024 – Continuing our commitment to health, safety, and early prevention, Canon Medical Systems Europe is proud to once again collaborate with the Soudal Quick-Step, AG Insurance Soudal Pro Cycling and the Soudal Quick-Step Devo teams for their annual health screenings. This year marks a significant milestone as both the male and female teams join the training camp in Calpe, Spain, underlining the shared vision of riders’ safety and excellence. Building on the successes of last year, we are expanding our program to include enhanced cardiac screening, leveraging high-end ultrasound technologies to ensure comprehensive care for every athlete. Inspired by its "Made for Life" philosophy, Canon Medical Systems Europe continues to provide healthcare solutions that address real-world needs and concerns of patients, medical professionals, customers, and partners.

Enhancing Early Detection and Prevention
Sudden cardiac arrest remains a critical concern for athletes globally, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Similarly, vision health is paramount for performance and safety in cycling, where rapid decision-making and precise navigation are vital. Recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention in both areas, Canon Medical Systems Europe is providing advanced cardiac (Aplio i900 / Prism Edition) and Eye Care (Xephilio OCT-R1) screening solutions as part of the December 2024 training camp. By incorporating our flagship ultrasound systems, the Aplio i900/ Prism Edition, alongside advanced ophthalmology tools, we aim to provide efficient precision tools in identifying potential health issues.

Through innovative techniques, such as myocardial wall motion tracking, strain, and strain rate analysis, the Aplio i900 delivers deep insights into cardiac performance.
Complementing this, our advanced imaging solutions for eye care enable the detection of conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and other vision impairments that could impact athlete safety and performance. The Xephilio OCT-R1 advances the screening and diagnosis of eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Its compact design and flexible layout make it a perfect fit for any eye care clinic.
With automated operation, it enhances both the efficiency and quality of patient care, delivering optimal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) performance and exceptional clinical value.

By ensuring that athletes receive tailored evaluations in both cardiac and eye care, we are taking proactive steps to safeguard their health and enhance their performance.

A Continuity of Care and Vision
This year’s screening program builds on last year’s foundation, which highlighted the importance of regular health checks, including cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and other key assessments. The addition of comprehensive cardiac and enhanced eye care evaluations underscores our shared commitment to proactive care and long-term well-being.

Collaboration for Excellence
With 29 riders and 60 staff members participating in last year’s screenings, this year’s inclusion of both male and female teams demonstrates the evolution and growth of this initiative. Canon Medical Systems Europe’s collaboration showcases the power of partnerships in advancing sports medicine. By providing advanced imaging solutions and medical expertise, we are helping the team achieve their aspirations while setting a new standard for athlete care.

Supporting Athletes with Advanced Technology
“Canon’s Aplio i900 system has been transformative in our ability to deliver precise and efficient cardiac diagnostics,” said Philip Jansen, Head of the Medical Team. “In addition, the advanced imaging tools for eye care screening enable us to address vision health comprehensively, ensuring our athletes are equipped for the rigorous demands of professional cycling.”

The December training camp in Calpe serves as the perfect platform for these screenings, allowing riders and staff to undergo essential health evaluations in a structured and efficient manner.

Towards a Healthier Future
Canon Medical’s unwavering commitment to innovation and athlete health continues to drive meaningful advancements in medical imaging. By equipping our partners with sophisticated tools and fostering collaborations with elite athletic teams, we are leading the way in promoting safety, performance, and well-being. Together with the Soudal Quick-Step, AG Insurance Soudal Pro Cycling and the Soudal Quick-Step Devo teams, we are proud to set the stage for a successful, healthier, and safer future in sports.