Following a successful debut season with Team Novo Nordisk, Sam Brand will move up to the team’s professional squad for the 2018 season.

Novo is the world’s first all-diabetes pro cycling team and the Manxman’s promotion is his reward for a fine first season with the American outfit as he bids for a place in the Isle of Man team for next year’s Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia.

The 26-year-old former Island Games triathlete - who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10 - recently completed the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, known as America’s toughest stage race, as well as the Colorado Classic and enjoyed impressive performances in both.

On becoming the first athlete to start in Team Novo Nordisk’s elite program and progress through the pipeline to the men’s professional squad, Brand commented: ’To race for our professional team in the pro peloton is a dream come true. I’ve dreamt of this for a long time and it’s more than just racing a bike; it’s also the ability to empower those around the world affected by diabetes.

’To be honest, I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I’m elated and enjoying the whole experience. This was a huge goal for me, and now the next goals have moved into sight. I’m eager to continue the hard work.

’In the short-term, my goals are to support our team towards some podiums and hopefully victories.

’Looking towards 2018, one of my more specific goals is to represent the Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, but overall, I want to gain more experience, move up the ranks and earn results with Team Novo Nordisk.’

Nordisk’s general manager Vassili Davidenko was full of praise for the Isle of Man cyclist: ’The motivation and endurance that Sam displayed at his first two races as a stagiaire proved that he has immense potential.

’Sam comes in with a diverse set of racing skills and a strong athletic background, and we are looking forward to helping him continue to develop with Team Novo Nordisk.

’As he gets more and more familiar with racing in the professional peloton, it’ll be a natural progression for him to start earning results.

’With this unique project, we cannot go recruit new riders for the team. It is important for us to locate and develop talent within the diabetes community and we are excited to be bringing up a rider who shows this kind of potential.’

Brand will continue racing as a stagiaire for Team Novo Nordisk for the remainder of the 2017 season and his next race is the Tour of China I in September.