to move up and down
Cyclists pedal during the 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia, from Cesana to Col Du Galbier, Italy, Sunday, May 19, 2013. A superb solo ride up the gruelling Col du Galibier enabled Giovanni Visconti to win a weather-affected 15th stage, while favourite Vincenzo Nibali retained the overall lead. (Photo: Fabio Ferrari/The Associated Press)
Ryder Hesjedal became the first Canadian to win a Grand Tour when he snatched victory in the 2012 Giro d’Italia on Sunday after faultless riding in the final time trial.
The 31-year-old Garmin rider overturned a 31-second deficit on the last day to leave Spain’s long-time race leader Joaquim Rodriguez in second overall and Belgium’s Thomas De Gendt third.
“I didn’t really think I was going to win until about five kilometres to the finish,” Hesjedal, who was in tears on the final podium, told reporters.
“It’s hard to describe, this is a dream come true, since the first day I pulled on the pink jersey I believed I had a chance in this race.”
Photo: Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters
