A team of 27 dedicated Tasmanians will pedal for prevention and awareness of diabetes this weekend, kicking off the 11th annual Medibank PolliePedal – Le Tour De East Coast.

This year’s event is set to kick up a gear with the inclusion of Team Novo Nordisk, a professional cycling team made up entirely of men and women with diabetes, which is being represented by 2013 New Zealand track sprint champion Stephanie McKenzie.

There are over 27,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes with an extra 10,000 people undiagnosed, and an estimated 45,000 are at high risk of developing diabetes converting into six Tasmanians per day developing diabetes.

The team of cyclists, including four state politicians, is geared up and set to spread the word about how Tasmanian’s can empower themselves to achieve better health.

Kicking-off from St Helens District High School on Friday morning, the riders will travel The Great Eastern Drive on their 243km, three-day journey.

No mountain will be deemed too steep, as the riders visit St Helens District High School before heading down the coast via St Marys District High School. A community dinner and French Bowls will be held at the Bicheno Bowls and Community Club on Friday evening before the riders head towards Richmond via the May Shaw Nursing Home in Swansea, finishing at the Puddleduck Vineyard in Richmond on Sunday afternoon.

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said PolliePedal was the flagship fundraising event for Diabetes Tasmania, connecting participants with local communities to raise awareness of the risks associated with diabetes.

“We are so privileged to have Stephanie McKenzie joining us this year, as well as the support of Team Novo Nordisk,” Ms Wells said.

“These are professional cyclists who compete around the world and fly the flag for diabetes awareness, so the fact the organisation is supporting us is really something special and shows where the event is going.

“In 2006, PolliePedal commenced its partnership with Guy Barnett MP, who has type 1 diabetes, and since then the annual fundraiser has attracted many local, state and federal politicians as well as members of the Tasmanian community.

“The event is vital, both as a fundraising initiative to assist us to deliver services, advocacy and support for people with diabetes, as well as providing an opportunity to engage with schools and local communities to convey important prevention and healthy lifestyle messages.”

Diabetes Australia Ambassador Guy Barnett said he has seen the event go from strength to strength over the years.

“I have ridden every single kilometre of PolliePedal since its conception in 2006 and am proud that since the first event we have raised more than $480,000 to support people living with diabetes through provision of vital support and services to ensure Tasmanians can live well with diabetes,” said Mr Barnett.

“It’s not just to do with collecting donations, it’s about educating Tasmanians on the risks associated with diabetes, each year the riders love taking on a new adventure around the state, they visit schools, chat to the community and create a real awareness.”
Diabetes Tasmania Operations Manager, Leanne Clark