May 11, 2011 (Victoria, BC) – Trevor Linden, one of BC’s most famous sports heroes, is joining Ryder Hesjedal  – one of Canada’s newest – in the 140 km Tour de Victoria ride, adding to an already impressive line-up of Canadian sports talent. They’ll be joined by as many as 1,500 riders on Saturday, May 28 for the first-ever Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria which will wind along the world-class cycling roads of Southern Vancouver Island from downtown Victoria.

“I’m really looking forward to the Tour de Victoria, which is all about promoting the benefits and the sheer joy of cycling. Every community benefits when more people are biking. We have some of the most beautiful roads in the world here in BC and some of the best of them are in Victoria. It’s going to be a great day and for a great cause,” said Linden.

The former Canuck is an avid cyclist and has become involved in helping family and youth programs, such as the Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society, which is the charitable beneficiary for this year’s Tour de Victoria’s Community Ride.

“We’re pretty jazzed to have ‘Captain Canuck’ riding with us in the Tour de Victoria,” says Tour director and former Olympic and professional cyclist, Seamus McGrath. “He’s going to be a great addition to our Star Power line-up and I know all the riders are going to enjoy having him along with us.”

Linden is still one of the most popular Vancouver Canucks after a 20-year NHL career. He is one of only three Canuck players who have had their jersey retired by the team. He is also an avid competitive cyclist.

In the Tour de Victoria, a one-day mass participation cycling event, Linden will join Olympic cyclists Andreas Hestler, Lesley Tomlinson and Erinne Willock, along with Olympic rowers Adam Kreek, Jake Wetzel and Silken Laumann and Ironman Champion Peter Reid.

In addition to the 140 km route led by Hesjedal and Linden, is a 90 km route led by Olympian Andreas Hestler. Hestler is taking Olympic triathlon gold medalist, Simon Whitfield’s place as he is now scheduled to race in Spain.

Beginner cyclists and families are invited to participate in the Community Ride presented by GoodLife Fitness. Olympic rower Silken Laumann will lead out the ride, with all registration proceeds for that event going to the Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society.

Road Marshal volunteers are still needed. Sign-up is online with a Volunteer Orientation scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, from 6-8pm at Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC.

Registration for the 140km and 90km rides is available online here until Wednesday, May 26 at midnight and in person at Parkside Resort & Spa until Friday, May 27 at 10 p.m. (space permitting).