We don't know if Ryder Hesjedal from Victoria is familiar with "o mia bela Madunina", but stepping away from the strict daily coverage of the world championships, it's worth remembering that day when the flag with the maple leaf in the center flew from the pole of the Giro d'Italia. The first and last Canadian to win the pink jersey, today he interprets cycling with the spirit of a frontier man that perfectly embodies the "into the wild" spirit of the nation.

Hesjedal, we must start from the highest point of his career, May 27, 2012...

"Without forgetting that I first won the Mountain Bike World Cup, and also claimed the rainbow jersey in cross country. When passion and desire to compete on the road were born, I reached the peak in the famous time trial in Milan. On the eve of the race, I had 31 seconds on Rodriguez and I put the arrow in the general classification thanks to sixth place against the clock".

What were your ambitions on the eve of the Giro?

"Not those of winning, and even during the three weeks I didn't look too far ahead, which would have dangerously distracted me from necessary attention to each individual day, including the alpine stages. Before that, a stage victory at the 2009 Vuelta had paved the way (a second win in 2014, ed. note), along with seven participations in the Tour de France. The Giro remains a unique emotion, it preserves the value of anticipated reward". Coming to the Montreal World Championships, do you have personal memories tied to the course? "I finished third twice, almost a subscription, in 2010 behind winner Gesink and my mountain bike colleague Sagan, and in 2013, when Peter himself won, with your Ponzi in second place".
 
Tell us something about life after your racing career, about your cycle touring trips in Costa Rica?

"I'm speaking to you from here. I've retained the "on the road" spirit that I developed as a racer, and I've developed it in a special context like Costa Rica where volcanoes rival every Alpine pass, among misty forests, monkeys and colorful birds, roads along the coast. I guide small groups of cyclists (info: https://rh-experience-cr.base44.app/) to whom I propose an organized package in every aspect, putting to good use the experience I gained in the peloton".

Without forgetting Canada and your hometown, right?

"Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria, with many editions now behind us, is an immersive and inclusive event, set in a breathtaking scenario of British Columbia, on the east coast of Canada, with routes ranging from 160 km to a small circuit reserved for children. It's a celebration, but I like to emphasize the social aspect: with our charity program we've managed to raise 47 thousand dollars, 36 thousand donated to BC Cancer Foundation and its cancer fighting efforts".
 

Do you still follow professional cycling?

"Yes, also because throughout Central America, where I spend considerable time, attention to racing is keen, there's sensitivity and a competitive scene that extends not only to countries with greater vocation in this geographic area".

Who do you think will win the Elite Men's race, the queen of the road?

"I'd like to see a Canadian as protagonist, after all on the women's side we have a defending champion like Magdeleine Vallieres. As for the men's race, I say this also knowing firsthand how demanding the course is, as always the distance will make itself felt in the final twenty kilometers. The odds have opened up after Pogacar's withdrawal, Seixas and Del Toro were impressive in the general classifications two weeks ago. It will be fun to watch, who knows if some former biker will stand out, I always have a soft spot for them".

One more curiosity: after retiring, have you still visited our country and maintained Italian friendships?

"Absolutely. Italy and the Giro, the hardest race in the world, changed my life, plus I have solid friendships and contacts: with the Castelli brand I've returned several times to follow some stages, an always engaging experience. Not only that: what fun it is to participate in the Nova Eroica along the white roads of Tuscany!".