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Without a Team Novo Nordisk rider in the top ten why is it that I can't stop smiling. Yesterday was not about a bike race for the millions of people around the world living with diabetes, it was about proving to the world what is possible with diabetes. The seven riders that put on the Team Novo Nordisk kit this morning in Milan taught me that anything is possible with diabetes. Personally I have a new confidence after spending all morning following the race on twitter and watching the final two hours on the internet. For all my life the odds have been stacked against me as an athlete because of diabetes, today those walls were knocked down. I don't believe I have reached my potential as a cyclist or runner because I'm still scared, I'm scared because I'm afraid to take that jump to the next level because of diabetes. I have been afraid to ride my bike with a local group of very strong riders because of my diabetes, I'm scared of having a low while riding with them. I'm sure I could keep up with them on the bike but will my diabetes allow me? The answer is and always has been yes!!! I just needed to see Team Novo Nordisk race Milan San Remo today to realize that.
Phil Southerland and every member of Team Novo Nordisk weren't scared, if Phil Southerland was scared he wouldn't have had the courage to race with diabetes and to turn that passion in to an all diabetes professional cycling team. Team Novo Nordisk could be happy with racing Milan San Remo and stay where they are but that is not what the team is about. They want to reach the pinnacle of the cycling world. They will have bad races and they will get discouraged but the team is made up of diabetics that are ready to fight to get where they want to be. Team Novo Nordisk shows what is possible with diabetes. Personally I get goosebumps when I put on my Novo Nordisk cycling kit but for years I haven't been racing to the best of my ability with that kit on. Today Team Novo Nordisk taught me another lesson about diabetes and life, because of that I will be a new man when I put on the Team Novo Nordisk kit when I train or race. Thank you to each and every member of Team Novo Nordisk, you continue to show what is possible with diabetes and because of that any and all diabetic athletes owe it to you to be the best that they can be in all facets of life!!
