Solvang, Calif. — To the cheers of "Team Type 1, Team Type 1," five members of the men's and women's professional racing teams made a grand entrance Wednesday at a special presentation to students at Solvang School.

 

Samantha Schneider, Morgan Patton, Jacquelyn Crowell, Daniel Holt and Willem Van den Eynde appeared in front of more than 200 students and faculty to share information about Type 1 diabetes, bicycle safety and what it is like to be a professional cyclist.

 

Their appearance came in conjunction with the team's training camp in nearby Buellton, Calif. Team Type 1 will return to Solvang next month as part of its inaugural appearance in the Amgen Tour of California. The quaint Danish town will host the Stage 6 individual time trial on Feb. 20.

 

As part of Wednesday’s school visit, Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson made a surprise appearance to present the five with special commemorative city pins. A question-and-answer session and autograph signing followed.

 

Schneider, who was participating in her first public appearance as a member of Team Type 1, said she felt somewhat like a rock star during the 45-minute presentation. Many of the students lingered with the team long after school had dismissed for the day.

 

"The kids asked some terrific questions and they were really into learning about the team and how Morgan and Willem live with their Type 1 diabetes,” Schneider said. “One girl even made me something and held my bike for 10 minutes while I signed autographs. I thought, ‘I’ve got a new friend here.’”

 

Team Type 1 will return to Solvang on Sunday to lead a private "Ride The Route" event that takes place in conjunction with the Tour of California.