FanPost

TT1 Only U.S. Squad At Langkawi

Team Type 1 makes its pro racing debut at the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia this Saturday. It is the only U.S.-based squad of the 21 teams in the nine-day race.

TT1 was created in 2005 to inspire people with diabetes around the world to take control of their health through diet, exercise and proper health care.

Team Type 1 won the corporate team division of the Race Across America (RAAM) in 2006 and 2007 before re-organizing as a UCI-registered professional continental team for 2008. Four members of its 15-rider pro team are athletes with Type 1 diabetes.

Team Type 1's roster for the Tour of Langkawi includes three Australians - Matt Wilson, Ben Brooks and Fabio Calabria - as well as American Ian MacGregor, New Zealander Glen Chadwick and Moises Aldape of Mexico. Calabria, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes seven years ago, will represent the Type 1 athletes.

TT1 Sport Director Ed Beamon said he is excited to have the opportunity to showcase the team at such an important race.

"Team Type 1 has an important message about diabetes care and wellness, and we are happy to begin our season with such a large audience," Beamon said. "Matt Wilson has good form, and we expect to be aggressive and competitive in every stage."

Beamon said several TT1 racers have been racing and training independently in Australia and South America, giving him hope that a stage win or two is not out of the question.

"Langkawi is never an easy race," he said. "All of the top riders want to win and the battle is always hard for stages as well as the general classification. I expect the same this year."