Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes pro cycling team, travels to Belgium for the 55th edition of De Brabantse Pijl.

“You have to fight to stay at the front, and you have to fight the entire race,” Team Novo Nordisk General Manager Vassili Davidenko said. “There are 26 climbs, not to mention the weather and wind, all which could present challenges.”

De Brabantse Pijl is Team Novo Nordisk’s only race in Belgium this year, but it marks their second appearance following a successful debut in 2014. Ten World Tour teams and 15 Pro Continental teams are confirmed for the 1.HC classification race. Team Novo Nordisk’s roster features Kevin De Mesmaeker (BEL), Joonas Henttala (FIN), Nicolas Lefrançois (FRA), David Lozano (ESP), Javier Megias (ESP), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA) and Chris Williams (AUS).

“All of our riders are in great form heading into this race,” Davidenko said. “Not to mention Kevin De Mesmaeker, who is riding at home, which is always a plus. It’s like adding a turbo to the engine.”

De Mesmaeker was diagnosed with diabetes the same year he signed his first cycling contract. As a junior racer in Belgium, De Mesmaeker achieved dozens of top 10 results and several overall wins, but doctors told him his diabetes meant he could never race again. Determined to continue his dream, De Mesmaeker connected with Team Novo Nordisk and signed a contract for the following season. Now in his third season with the team, De Mesmaeker has become an ambassador for the diabetes community and earned his best result to date when he finished on the podium at Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California in 2014.

“De Brabantse Pijl has the level and style of a World Tour race,” De Mesmaeker said. “Races in Belgium have a certain character with short steep hills, narrow country roads and lots of speed. In these races, the strongest rider doesn’t always win, but rather the smartest rider typically does.”

The 2015 edition of De Brabantse Pijl features 26 climbs, or “hellingen,” over the 205.1-kilometers from Leuven to Overijse. Team Novo Nordisk will ride in support of team leader Javier Megias and sprinter Andrea Peron.

Team Novo Nordisk Roster De Brabantse Pijl – La Flèche Brabançonne (Apr 15):

Kevin De Mesmaeker (BEL), Joonas Henttala (FIN), Nicolas Lefrançois (FRA), David Lozano (ESP), Javier Megias (ESP), Andrea Peron (ITA), Charles Planet (FRA), Chris Williams (AUS).