Alex Bowden

“Diabetes can be difficult. Everyone goes through hard times with it, but you have to get over those hard times. Learn from what happened and try not to make the same mistake twice.”

As one of the youngest members of Team Type 1, it’s no wonder Alex Bowden is a little in awe of the accomplishments of some of his teammates. Particularly the ones who have twice raced – and won – the Race Across America (RAAM).

“RAAM is going to be a great learning experience,” Bowden says. “It’s so different from any other race.”

Team Type 1 co-founder Phil Southerland personally recruited Bowden for the team in 2006, a few years after his father encouraged him to get into cycling. The pair would often train together in the off-season by riding their bicycles on stationary trainers in the basement of their home in Dekalb, Ill.

Bowden’s advice for people living with Type 1 is a lot like racing a bicycle – don’t let it slow you down.

“Diabetes isn't easy to care for,” he says. “There are many things that can go inexplicably wrong. But through close watch, it can be managed and it won’t slow you down in whatever you do.”

Career Highlights

1st, 2006 ABR National Championship
1st, 2007 ABR Illinois State Road Race Championship
2nd, 2007 Illinois State Road Race Championship
3rd, 2007 Illinois State Criterium Championship

Diabetes Details

Age Diagnosed: 11 years

Current A1C: At goal

Years On A Pump: 7

Insulin Requirements
When Training:
45 units per day

Insulin Requirements
When Not Training:
60 units per day