07-02-2009 12:22:09

To the cheers of "Team Type 1, Team Type 1," five members of the men's and women's professional racing teams made a grand entrance Wednesday at Solvang School.

Samantha Schneider, Morgan Patton, Jacquelyn Crowell, Daniel Holt and Willem Van den Eynde appeared in front of more than 300 students and staff to share information about Type 1 diabetes, bicycle safety and what it is like to be a professional cyclist.

Their appearance came in conjunction with the team's training camp in nearby Buellton, Calif. Team Type 1 will return to Solvang next month as part of its inaugural appearance in the Amgen Tour of California. The quaint Danish town will host the Stage 6 individual time trial on Feb. 20.

As part of the event, Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson presented the five with special commemorative city pins. A question-and-answer and autograph signing session followed.

Schneider said the 45-minute presentation was unlike anything she had ever participated in. Many of the students lingered with the team long after school dismissed for the day.

"The kids asked some terrific questions and they were really into learning about the team and how Morgan and Willem cope with Type 1 diabetes as cyclists."

Team Type 1 will return to Solvang Sunday to lead a private "Ride The Route" event that takes place in conjunction with the Tour of California.

Roger Marchand