Gday,
Amakhurro, Hej and Hola.
The
past few weeks have been a whirlwind since the crocodile trophy. Many
miles in the plane, train, bus, car, skis and bike have brought me
here to Alicante, Spain. The racing season which is usually in
decline from September was extended somewhat for myself this year.
Prior to the crocodile trophy I was informed I would be travelling to
Rwanda, Africa for the UCI Tour of Rwanda with Team Type1. Before
leaving for this journey I decided to compete for the third time in
the Highland Fling MTB marathon. Teaming up with fellow road
stalwart Chris Jory, this would turn into one of the hardest races of
the year and contributed to draining a nearly empty tank coming into
the 8 day tour in Africa. However, apart from an incredibly difficult
and well staged race there was so much more to experience in
Rwanda.
Team Type1 has been attending the tour of Rwanda for 3
years now. In a collaboration with the Rwanda Diabetes Foundation our
visit is coupled with some amazing outreach and philanthropic
endeavours. In Rwanda - and many parts of Africa in general - the
treatment and management of diabetes is chalk and cheese when
compared to the amazing support us diabetics appreciate in countries
like Australia. Diabetes is far too often a death sentence in Rwanda
due to a lack of Insulin, syringes and blood glucose testing devices.
Without these life saving resources the message that I and Team Type1
are so passionate about spreading that anything is possible with
diabetes is mere lip service. Hence, myself and team mates Paolo,
Matt and our venerable boss Phil and wife Biljana had the opportunity
to visit one of the only diabetes health services in Rwanda in a town
named Gisenyi on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here we met Crispin and many of the local children and adults who
have the opportunity to utilise this service. We also donated many
blood glucose meters and strips to the diabetes foundation to help
foster the hope that we as a team are dedicated to spreading to all
diabetics worldwide. The race itself was extraordinarily difficult,
Rwanda is known as the land of 1000 hills, however it felt to me like
the land of 1, 000, 000 mountains. I started the tour in good spirits
with a top 10 in the prologue. However as the mountains began my body
was shutting down, it did not want any more racing. But I pushed on
and finishing this tour within time cut was a dream that I thought
near impossible on the first few days of this tour. On the last day
team mate Paolo snuck onto the podium in 2nd place which was a great
achievement and highlighted the message we were there to spread.
Anything is possible with diabetes!
Some of the estimated 3,000,000 Rwandans who came out to watch the race. Photo: I. San Milan
But the memories that will
remain with me from this adventure stem from the people we met along
the way. Rwanda is a country with a horrifically tragic past. This is
evident in every village and memorial you see. The people are more
than aware of what has happened in their land, they carry these
horrific histories with a truckload of courage. This is a country of
courage, the people are terrifically friendly and only want the best
for every visitor. They cling to hope for a brighter future and it is
coming I am sure. But there is still more work to do here, not just
in the diabetes sector. I feel very privileged to have been here and
look forward to staying involved and help the strong bond between my
cycling team and this country. A life changing journey.
Flying
out of Rwanda, I could not have asked for a starker contrast. After a
stop in Uganda I landed in perhaps the richest and coldest nation in
the world, Norway. After washing clothes in the sink and drowning
myself in mozzie repellent for the previous two weeks, the creature
comforts here were very much appreciated. I have some wonderful
family in Norway. Heather and Andreas and second cousin David
welcomed me into their home in Hamar. It was so nice to put the bike
to one side and enjoy some good food, walks in the snow and putting
the legs up by the heater. From Hamar, it was off to the Norweigan
ski town of Hemsedal with an old mate from school. The boss Sean
managed to tee up an alpine chateau for us and a group of Aussie
engineers who were visiting Scandinavia. A terrific few days up here
driving fancy cars in the snow, skiing the slopes, scaling peaks and
sipping lattes by the open fire was again a real memorable and
special experience.
Pre-season testing. Photo: I. San Milan
After a week with the Nords it was off to
see the Danes. I was honoured to be involved with the official launch
of team Novo Nordisk 2013. This is the continuation of the terrific
work of Team Type1. We are now a fully professional cycling team
comprised entirely of athletes with diabetes. This has never been
done before in sport and it is exciting to be a part of this journey.
Me, dutchy team mate Martijn and the man, the legend Phil Southerland
met with all the inspirational and equally excited people involved in
getting this off the ground in Copenhagen over a few days of meetings
and a tremendous launch at the Novo Nordisk global headquarters.
It
was sad to leave Scandinavia after an awesome two weeks enjoying top
food, top coffee, top people and class! Everything here works! To a
tee! It is just sooo frickin cold and the sun is a distant memory to
many of the locals. Lucky for this sun hungry Aussie, it was straight
off to warm weather, beaches, and glorious sun here in Alicante,
Spain. Team Novo Nordisk is holding their inaugural training camp
here in this Spanish siesta town. An awesome opportunity to meet some
new faces and reunite with old mates in a fully pumped, fully gee´d
environment. This team is a phenomenal opportunity and has such a
powerful potential for impact not just on diabetics but for all
people that face challenges in their lives worldwide. It is exciting
times ahead.
From here, it is finally back home sweet home,
sweet Sydney! I miss home and look forward to spending Christmas with
those most important to me!
Good
times ahead!
Adios
Amigos!
Justin/
Mad Dog