2004, 2008 and 2012 Canadian Olympic Team
2012 Giro d'Italia Champion
1995 BC Summer Games

Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal, began his cycling career by riding his bicycle on local trails around his neighbourhood. He discovered his love of racing, and his journey to success took off after participating in the 1995 BC Summer Games.

As a 12 year old athlete, Ryder credits the BC Games as his “first real success on the road bike.”  His first competition at the Games was in mountain bike when a broken chain ended his race.  The following day, he gathered up his strength and determination to take home the gold in the road race.

“I fell in love with the sport and its what I have done ever since I was 12 years old at the BC Summer Games.”

Among many achievements, Ryder competed in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Summer Games.  He came sixth in the 2010 Tour de France, and won the 2012 Giro d’Italia, making him the first Canadian to win one of cycling’s three Grand Tours. Ryder is the spokesperson for a non-profit organization, the Ryder’s Cycling Society of Canada, which puts on the Tour de Victoria. This community cycling event was established to promote and support cycling and its health and environmental benefits to Canadians.

Check out Ryder’s profile at Olympic.ca, visit his websites ryderhesjedal.ca and ryderscyclingsociety.org, and follow his Twitter and Instagram @ryder_hesjedal.

Photo credit above: Frank Gunn, Canadian Press