Hesjedal becomes 1st Canadian to win Giro d’Italia
Posted May 27, 2012 11:20 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ryder Hesjedal has become the first Canadian to win the Giro d’Italia after overtaking Spain’s Joaquin Rodriguez in Sunday’s final time trial.
The Victoria native came into the day trailing the Spaniard by 31 seconds, but Hesjedal finished the 30-kilometre stage in 34:15 to win by 16 seconds.
Hesjedal had already made history earlier in the race by becoming the first Canadian to hold the pink jersey as the overall leader.
Now the 31-year-old is the first Canadian to win one of the three famed Grand Tour races.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was among the Canadians celebrating Hesjedal’s victory.
“This remarkable win in one of bicycle racing’s most gruelling competitions is a testimony to Mr. Hesjedal’s training, endurance, skill and competitive spirit,” Harper said in a statement.
On Twitter, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong praised Hesjedal’s achievement.
“Congratulations to @ryder_hesjedal on his incredible victory in the #giro. Gotta love it when the best man wins,” tweeted Armstrong.
Toronto cyclist Michael Barry added: “Emotional moment watching the Canadian flags go up in Milan and hearing the anthem. Congrats @ryder_hesjedal You’ve inspired us all.”
Thomas De Gendt of Britain finished third overall, one minute 39 seconds behind Hesjedal. Defending champion Michele Scarponi of Italy was fourth.
Marco Pinotti of Italy won the stage in 33:06. The final stage was shortened by about a mile because of road work.
