The Modeling and Intelligent Control Engineering Laboratory (MICELAB) at the University of Girona, together with the School of Health and Sports (EUSES), the Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, and the Department of Nursing (UdG), is launching PEDAL-T1D — a collaborative research study exploring the effects of long-duration cycling in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
About the Study
PEDAL-T1D is a two-day clinical trial designed to promote safe physical activity for people with T1D and to examine their glycemic, physiological, and molecular responses during and after moderate-intensity gravel cycling.
Researchers will collect data on glucose, insulin, heart rate, power output, carbohydrate intake, and biological samples (saliva and urine) before and after the activity. This information will support the creation of a specialized database to develop artificial-intelligence models that can predict glycemic responses to exercise, improve metabolic control, and advance research on artificial-pancreas algorithms.
Who Can Participate
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Adults aged 18–65 with type 1 diabetes.
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Basic cycling experience (non-competitive activity).
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Participation is free of charge. The organization provides monitoring equipment, dinner on 22 November 2025, lunch on 23 November 2025, and a custom cycling jersey.
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Participants may use their own gravel bike or request one from the organization at no additional cost.
Event Schedule
Saturday, 22 November 2025 – Welcome Session
The event will begin with presentations of the UdG-Dexcom Chair, the PEDAL-T1D study, and the research team. After signing informed consent forms and completing initial data collection, participants will take part in a round-table discussion with experts and people living with T1D. The afternoon will include a technical session for configuring monitoring devices and apps (Garmin, Strava, Dexcom, etc.), and distribution of study materials. The day will conclude with a group dinner.
Sunday, 23 November 2025 – Cycling Day
Participants will meet at Eat Sleep Cycle (Girona) for a gravel cycling route of 75.6 km with 482 m of elevation gain. Before the ride, saliva and urine samples will be collected, and the organizing team will present details about the route, on-road support, and feeding points. Medical and mechanical assistance will be available throughout the event. After the ride, participants will have access to physiotherapy, post-ride sample collection, and a closing lunch.
Logistics and Safety
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The route will be shared via RideWithGPS and recorded on Strava.
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Continuous medical and mechanical support, with ambulance and support vehicle.
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Liability and medical insurance provided by the organization.
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Real-time monitoring through Dexcom Share and Garmin LiveTrack to ensure participant safety and continuous glucose tracking.
Registration
Participation is limited to 30 places. Selection will be based on the order of registration and fulfillment of inclusion criteria.
After registering, participants will be contacted by the research team to confirm eligibility and provide further details regarding logistics, accommodation, and bike availability.