Cycling Inspiration from Brian Lambert

We chat to Ambassador Brian Lambert about his type 1 diabetes diagnosis 2 years ago and how cycling has motivated him into a new sport to better his health.

To get the ball rolling, could you tell our VeloChampion readers a little bit about yourself?

I’m Brian. I live down in the sunny south coast of East Sussex. I now like to be as active as much as can, but in the past this was not the case…

I was diagnosed as with T1 (Type 1) diabetes in 2019, it was initially a shock to the system. My diabetes affects my nerve endings and I struggle with circulation in my hands and feet.  I was told that I needed to take up some form of exercise to help my legs and make better diet choices. I used to think that going out in the car was a form of exercise, not cycling.

Most of my friends would hear me say
“You’ll never catch me in lycra cycling gear. ”

It sounds like a big lifestyle change. How did you get into cycling?

I got in to cycling purely for health reasons, it was suggested by my Diabetes Nurse that I really should take up some form of exercise to help my circulation. Now I have never really been into cycling, but it didn’t take long to be hooked. I now cycle everyday and it is my main form of transport cycling 12 miles every day, and when the weather is nice, I ride for longer.

“The longer I’m on the bike, the happier I am. ”

What are your cycling achievements?

To be honest, getting on a bike is an achievement, cycling is something I never thought I would end up doing. Since taking up cycling I have raised money cycling for Diabetes UK and this year have completed my second year taking on the challenge of riding over 950 miles (1,190miles to be exact) from Land’s End to John O’ Groats* in 3weeks / 21 days, finishing 1 week ahead of schedule. This is my second time taking on the LEJOG challenge and I plan to do it again in September!

*Due to lockdown I took on this challenge locally, which was a mental challenge in itself.

Wow, not only have you completed the LEJOG for Diabetes UK once, but twice. Well done Brian. If you had any cycling advice for our readers, what would it be?

Take part in a sportive or challenge and just give it ago. If you are new to cycling, like I was in 2019, don’t think of it as a race, it’s a ride and enjoy it.  

One think I would say to anyone who has diabetes that just because I have diabetes, it didn’t stop me. Yes, you may have more to think about, but that won’t stop you. 

Why did you want to become a VeloChampion Brand Ambassador?

This is easy to answer, it is a Name & Brand I truly trust!

Due to all my riding events, it is a perfect way to show my gratitude to them for supporting me.

What’s your  favourite VeloChampion product and why?

I would say I love their branded Hypersonic Sunglasses and Summer Socks; they have indeed been a lot better than I imagined, with the socks I was very impressed due to my condition I suffer with my feet and they were great for my circulation. 

How can readers keep in touch with what you are up to?

If readers would like to follow and support me on my cycling quest for Diabetes UK there are several ways, they can take part in supporting or following me by visiting my website www.riding4lives.uk or on socials.

 Facebook/riding4lives

 @riding4lives

And don’t forget to visit Diabetes UK. For Diabetes UK cycling events https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved or Diabetes advice: www.diabetes.org.uk