September 8, 2010 (Victoria , BC) – A new initiative – Wheelmen – that will help support the development of young male and female competitive cyclists in Canada, was recently announced by Ryder Hesjedal, Canada’s top-ranked professional cyclist. “Having the opportunity to give back and support young athletes so they have the same opportunities I had is important to me,” said Hesjedal. “I’m proof that the support given today leads to success tomorrow.”

Approximately 200 people attended the Ryder Hesjedal Homecoming event at the Parkside Victoria Resort and Spa where Hesjedal formally unveiled the Wheelmen initiative, announced his involvement and signed “Tourmalet t-shirts.” The shirts commemorate Hesjedal’s fourth place stage finish at the Col du Tourmalet at this year’s Tour de France and 50 per cent of the Homecoming event’s shirt sale proceeds will be going to Victoria’s Aviawest Cycling Society, a local organization that aims to inspire young riders to get into the sport of cycling. A further five dollars from every future sale in store or at wheelmen.ca will also go directly to the support of young Canadian athletes.

Wheelmen aims to inspire youth and adults alike to work harder, to support others, to keep focused on goals, and to believe what can be achieved through life’s simple practices. To the youth, Hesjedal is a solid example that a lot can be accomplished by keeping the pedals turning.

Signed “Tourmalet t-shirts” will be available for purchase until December 31, 2010. For more information on Wheelmen Ride Bicycles and its goals, or to order a signed shirt, please visit Wheelmen.ca.

Check out the cool homecoming video posted on Ryder’s site HERE (right side) with words of thanks from some cycling icons.

Ryder Hesjedal Homecoming Footage – September 4, 2010