Hesjedal: Woods' Vuelta a Espana has been 'incredible' so far

Among the throng of spandex-clad citizen riders stomping and paper-boying their way up the Marmot Basin climb before stage 1 at the Tour of Alberta last week, one familiar face stood out from the rest. Ryder Hesjedal, the 2012 Giro d'Italia champion from just west of Alberta in British Columbia, was back in the saddle to support the race.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Pat competed in his first bike race in 1985 at Flathead Lake. He studied English and journalism at the University of Oregon and has covered North American cycling extensively since 2009, as well as racing and teams in Europe and South America. Pat currently lives in the US outside of Portland, Oregon, with his imaginary dog Rusty.