Elite Team of Cyclists with Type 1 Diabetes Powers Forward in 2008 Sponsored by Rapid-Acting Insulin...( - Inspirational...),Health

- Inspirational Team of Athletes

- Team Type 1 - Spreads Messages of Hope to Others with Diabetes and Steers Toward Its

Ultimate Goal of Tour de France Competition

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis announced today its rapid-acting insulin Apidra(R) (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) will now become the primary sponsor of Team Type 1, a team of amateur and professional cyclists living with type 1 diabetes.

"Team Type 1 began as two friends challenging one another to take control of our diabetes and to become the best cyclists we possibly could. Today, we've grown into a diverse team of athletes from around the world, who have proven that not even diabetes can prevent us from accomplishing our dreams," said Phil Southerland, co-founder and president of Team Type 1. "We appreciate the ongoing support of sanofi-aventis in helping us bring this vision to other people with diabetes and move us even closer to our ultimate goal -- competing in the Tour de France."

In 2007, the team of ten cyclists, all with type 1 diabetes, won the 3,052 mile-long, cross-country Race Across America (RAAM) in a record 5 days, 15 hours and 43 minutes. With this increased level of support from sanofi-aventis, Team Type 1 will expand its roster in 2008 and field two teams: an amateur development level team for the 2008 RAAM comprised of 11 riders, all of whom have type 1 diabetes, and a professional level racing team featuring a mixed roster of 15 cyclists four of whom have diabetes. All members of Team Type 1 with diabetes use Apidra(R) in an insulin infusion pump to help control their high blood sugar.

"I began using Apidra(R) because my doctor recommended it as a fast and effective way to keep my blood sugars under control," continued Southerland. "Since starting Apidra(R), I have noticed how quickly it helps get my blood sugar down which
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