Sam Brand nominated for Isle of Man Sportsman of the Year

Team Novo Nordisk would like to congratulate Sam Brand on his two nominations in the 2020 Isle of Man Sports Awards. 

In addition to becoming a three-time nominee in the IOM Sports Ambassador category, Brand was excited to discover he’s been nominated in the marquee Sportsman of the Year category.

The 29-year-old said the nominations are humbling and what makes the news special is the nomination system is based on recommendations from his peers and the public. 

”It’s pretty humbling to receive these nominations for something I do every day and which someone thinks is special. It means a lot to me.” Brand said speaking from the island.  

“What we do as a team is to help people living with diabetes believing they can achieve their dreams no matter the condition. We set an example showing what we’re achieving on and off the bike and to get recognition at the top sports level in the Isle of Man alongside my peers is phenomenal. It’s the next step, for me. It’s something I could only dream of when I started cycling as someone living with diabetes.”   

The Isle of Man Sports Awards is the biggest sports awards body on the island. Brand said the nomination is a big step in his sporting career. 

The Manxman is currently in the Isle of Man as he prepares to get his fourth season as a professional cyclist underway. “I’ve come into this season with motivation to show what I can do this year. I feel like I’m in a better place than I’ve ever been and I feel my legs are taking that next step up. I’m excited to see what’s possible this year. I feel like I have put in a big chunk of hard work to put myself in a situation to be ready for the team.”

Yesterday, race organizer RCS Sport announced Team Novo Nordisk would once again be invited to Milan-San Remo, the longest Classic on the cycling calendar. Brand has taken part in two editions of the 300-kilometre adventure. “I want to be on the start line like I have been for my last two times. In my first and second seasons with the team I was there and I would like to be there a third time – but it’s big for our team no matter who races. It’s a special opportunity for us to show what’s possible with diabetes in the longest and one of the biggest races on the cycling calendar.”

The Isle of Man Sports Awards takes place on 25 March while Milan-San Remo is the 20th March.