May 13, 2012 – On Saturday, May 12, Victoria, BC’s Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) made history as the first Canadian rider to wear the famous Pink jersey as race leader of the renowned grand tour, the Giro d’Italia, that dates back to 1909. Once again Hesjedal has etched his name in the record books as fans will remember his stellar ride in 2009 to become the first Canadian to win a stage at the Vuelta d’Espana when he won Stage 12.

Hesjedal’s stellar career began in mountain biking where he became the first Canadian male to win an MTB World Championship medal taking home silver in the Junior Men’s race at Mont-Ste-Anne in 1998 – the winner was Julien Abasalon. Later in 2001 he won U23 silver at the MTB Worlds in Lugano, Switzerland.

His recent 6th place at the Tour de France in 2010 (after the correction due to Alberto Contador) and second at the Amstel Gold spring classic add to his long list of palmares. Yesterday evening in Victoria, BC his parents threw and impromtu Pink Jersey party for Ryder but before the festivities began we caught up with his parents and several other special people in Hesjedal’s life for their impressions of his accomplishment and how his day in PINK impacted them.

Saturday mornings mean flower market in Girona so I secretly brought home a bouquet of hot pink blooms before the stage because I believed in him so much! I was watching the race live at home by myself in Girona. I was so nervous and after the stage finished it seemed like they kept us waiting forever until the overall results were posted! Of course I did a little jig and wished I was there to see that smile!
– Ashley Hofer – Ryder’s better half

We’re amazed and it’s so very special. What he’s accomplished is beyond our wildest dreams. He’s worked so hard and you can’t be sure about the outcome in any race but he looked so intense out there – we’re all so proud of him.
– Paige Hesjedal – Ryder’s Mom

It’s not every day your kid makes Canadian history. But he’s done it before at the Vuelta and as a Junior rider when he was mountain biking. We were nervous as we knew it could happen and thought it might the previous day. It was exciting to see everyone pulling for him but you never know what will happen. It’s been a long journey and it’s great to see him do it again.
– Leonard Hesjedal – Ryder’s Dad

I was Ryder’s first coach/sponsor. The first time I saw him ride his Dad was concerned over a ruling by the cycling club not to let him race in a category above where he should have been riding. The club made him ride Cadet which was below the Junior category. I turned to him and said “You will never have to worry about that boy – he’s got lots of races to come.” Ryder was always a joy to coach and a joy to be around. He has never forgotten his friends.
– David Smith – Ryder’s first coach/sponsor

Ryder was my introduction to Pro cycling – what I know about the races, how they are raced, which ones he holds in the highest regard. I know how he feels about the Giro, so it was pretty amazing for me to watch him pull the pink jersey on. I now see him racing at the front of races he once marveled at, which is a huge inspiration to me personally and all of his fans… to see him fulfill his potential out there with such class.
– Cody Graham – Media One Multimedia – Ryder’s web site and media guy

Super proud of Ryder. Great day in the history of Canadian cycling. Ryder always believed he could reach this point in cycling and has been working hard for over 15 years to achieve this goal. This, combined with the super talent which he received from his parents helped make this day happen. It was fitting that the stage finished at a place called “Rock of Change”. This will be turning point in Canadian cycling history, similar to when Steve Bauer spent time in the yellow jersey. This moment will inspire a new generation of Canadian riders.
– Seamus McGrath – Director of Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria-Powered by GoodLife Fitness