The promise that Ryder Hesjedal showed in 2010, at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France, he delivered in full these past three weeks, culminating in a stunning win at the Giro d’Italia yesterday, in Milan.
The 31-year-old Victoria native, a little overwhelmed himself at his historical achievement—the first Canadian to win a European Grand Tour—was nonetheless aware of his strength throughout the event, and confident of his chances to stand on the winner’s podium.
And so were his rivals. Second place finisher Spaniard Joaquim RodrÃguez knew he had little chance of besting Hesjedal in the final time-trial, an event where the Canadian excels. During the mountain stages, Hesjedal at one point closed the gap to 17 seconds. Just 31 seconds stood between the two at the start of the time-trial
Hesjedal announced his dominance in the seventh stage by taking the maglia rosa. The race leader’s pink jersey passed back and forth between the two riders, with RodrÃguez in pink on the final day. Hesjedal rode a perfect 30-kilometre time trial on Sunday, winning by just 16 seconds. It was the first time in 28 years that the race was decided on the final day.
Cycling enthusiasts across Canada watched the race with great interest, not only with passionate support for a great athlete, but knowing that Hesjedal’s triumph will likely lead to a new appreciation for the sport in the country.
Going on the news coverage yesterday, the first time I’ve seen cycling coverage eclipse hockey scores and golf results, cycle racing is now on Canada’s radar.
I wonder if cycle commuters this morning will feel an extra lift in their pedal stroke, as they kick off Bike to Work Week Victoria?
This year the event has attracted more than 500 teams (update: more than 800 cyclists showed up at the “celebration station” on day 1). It runs until June 3rd, but participants may feel compelled to push on through the year!
Meanwhile, the second edition of Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria, threading the Giro hero’s home training routes, is just 26 days away.
Ride on Victoria!
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When I opened my browser the first thing I see is “Breaking News: Canadian wins cycling tournament”.
CTV Newsnet interviewed him for a bit today (IMO jinxing him with talk of winning the Tour de France).
I swear media in southern Ontario purposely avoided talking about it. The growing angst against everyone on a bike here seems to be growing, however not from the general public but the bloody media.
One of Canada’s well known cyclists Steve Bauer I’m proud to say is from St. Catharines…He runs Steve Bauer Bike Tours in the region now!
“Tournament” LOL! Well, I guess it could be compared to jousting.
Steve Bauer: another great Canadian cyclist.
The big international cycling victories of Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche in the 80’s and 90’s really gave cycling in Ireland a big boost. Hopefully Canada will see a similar result with Ryder’s big win.
For me the greatest thing about Giro 2012 was how close it was, which made for exciting viewing on Sunday’s time trial, a great sporting moment. I haven’t felt so excited about European racing for years. The Lance Armstrong years were boring and predictable, get a big lead and hold it. I much prefer a nail biting finish to a grand tour.
Likewise, I grew tired of the pedestrian and predictable nature of Le Tour during the Armstrong years.
I’m riveted again to the Grand Tours, the last couple of years.
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