An all diabetic cycling team will race in this years Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic.

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes team, is made up of professional cyclists from across the world. Their mission is to ‘inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes,’ when they compete in the race.

This is their RideLondon-Surrey debut, after receiving a wildcard invitation to the sixth edition of the race.

The race takes place on Sunday, July 29. Teams will ride the 183 KM route, running through Kingston, Weybridge, Dorking and Box Hill, before finishing on The Mall.

This is the teams third world tour event this season and their latest step in their quest to establish themselves as an elite cycling team.

Cycling with diabetes means that the team works closely with their healthcare team to develop a plan for training and race days.

While cycling, they continuously monitor blood glucose, adjusting food intake and medication dose to stay within the optimal blood glucose range.

3.7 million people across the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes and that number is expected to increase to five million people by 2025, according to Diabetes UK. In Wandsworth, there are 14,164 people who are currently diagnosed with diabetes.

Sam Brand, Team Novo Nordisk’s first UK rider, said: “I’m proud to be flying the flag for Team Novo Nordisk as the first UK rider, especially racing in my home country. From a rider’s perspective, we want to compete at the top level and so we’re excited to take part in this race for the first time.

“Aside from the racing, if I can inspire people living with diabetes to get out and get active, then we are achieving our mission.”

Team Novo Nordisk CEO and Co-Founder Phil Southerland said: “Racing in Britain allows us to continue to spread our mission to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes both locally in Great Britain and across the globe.

“I cannot wait to see the team racing on the streets of Surrey and famous Box Hill climb, it’s a challenging course but we’re excited.”

Team Novo Nordisk General Manager Vassili Davidenko said: “Since its inaugural edition, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic has been a standout one-day event, and we plan to bring a competitive squad for the 200 KM route that runs through London and Surrey.”

Riding the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey as part of Team Novo Nordisk will be:

• Sam Brand (UK)

• Fabio Calabria (AUS)

• David Lozano (ESP)

• Andrea Peron (ITA)

• Umberto Poli (ITA)

• Chris Williams (AUS)