He was already named CanadaB次元官网网址檚 cyclist of the decade, but 2012 could be the biggest of Ryder HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 career so far.
Team Garmin-Cerv茅lo has opened the door for Hesjedal to lead the attack at the Giro dB次元官网网址橧talia in May, the first of the Grand Tours with France in July and Spain in August.
Last week, Hesjedal was in his hometown to promote the second running of Ryder HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 Tour de Victoria. After which, he explained where he fits in with his teamB次元官网网址檚 strategy for the upcoming race season. The already hectic season also includes the Olympics in early August, should Hesjedal earn CanadaB次元官网网址檚 only spot.
The Tour de Victoria gran fondo event has been moved to June 24, just a week before the Tour de France. Not surprisingly, Hesjedal broke the news he wonB次元官网网址檛 be part of this yearB次元官网网址檚 Victoria race.
B次元官网网址淏ut IB次元官网网址檒l be watching to see if anyone can come close to my hill time (on the climb at MunnB次元官网网址檚 Road).B次元官网网址�
Newly appointed title sponsor GoodLife Fitness isnB次元官网网址檛 worried about the eventB次元官网网址檚 popularity lagging without HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 presence. Organizer Seamus McGrath, an Olympic cyclist himself, is working to attract other big name cyclists to join the ride.
Hesjedal, too, offered a glimmer of hope that he might make it after all.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not counting myself totally out, you never know in cycling,B次元官网网址� Hesjedal said.
HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 best season on the Tour de France came two years ago when he finished seventh overall. He hasnB次元官网网址檛 raced the Giro since 2008. The demanding three-week ride is similar to France.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 humbling to actually have a world-class team tell me, B次元官网网址榶ouB次元官网网址檙e the rider for our world tour ambitions,B次元官网网址� Hesjedal said. Last season Hesjedal finished 18th overall, helping Garmin-Cerv茅lo win the team trophy, while legging significant miles at the front of the peloton. This year, should things go right, those duties will be performed for Hesjedal, who aims for a top finish.
B次元官网网址淭he road to Paris starts in Italy.B次元官网网址�
