Listen: Ryder Hesjedal’s victory at the 2012 Giro d’Italia

A look back at the first Grand Tour win by a Canadian

Canadian Cycling Magazine May 21, 2020

On May 21, 2012, Ryder Hesjedal was in the midst of the final rest day of the Giro d’Italia. He had worn the pink leader’s jersey for three days, lost it, got it again and lost it once more before that rest day. Hesjedal was still in a good position overall, but could he really win the Italian Grand Tour against the explosive Joaquim Rodríguez? Listen to this interview with Hesjedal as he discusses the race in detail, the composition of his Garmin-Barracuda team and the complexity of the penultimate stage in which a new rival appeared and all the others seemed to leave the outcome of the race solely in the hands of the Canadian.

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Hesjedal Giro Assisi — Joaquim Rodríguez and his Team Katusha put Ryder Hesjedal under pressure during Stage 10 of the 2012 Giro d’Italia to Assisi. After three days in the pink jersey, Hesjedal would lose it to Rodríguez. Image: Sirotti

Ryder Hesjedal Passo Giau 2012 Giro d'Italia — Ryder Hesjedal rides on Passo Giau during Stage 17 of the 2012 Giro d’Italia. He’s with other race favourites: Domenico Pozzovivo,
Joaquim Rodríguez, Ivan Basso and Michele Scarponi. Image: Sirotti

Ryder Hesjedal 2012 Giro d'Italia Stelvio — Ryder Hesjedal isn’t able to shake Michele Scarponi and Joaquim Rodríguez on the Stelivo, the final climb of Stage 20 in the 2012 Giro d’Italia. Image: Sirotti

Ryder Hesjedal Giro d'Italia Stage 21 time trial — Ryder Hesjedal finishes the final time trial on Stage 21 of the 2012 Giro d’Italia. His time put him 16 seconds ahead of Joaquim Rodríguez for the overall win. Image: Sirotti

Ryder Hesjedal Giro d'Italia trofeo senza fine — Ryder Hesjedal holds the Giro d’Italia’s trofeo senza fine after winning the Italian Grand Tour. Image: Sirotti

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