Two more years in the “Argyle Armada” for Canadian Giro d’Italia winner
Ryder Hesjedal has renewed his contract with Garmin-Sharp for another two years, the American team has confirmed. The 32-year-old Canadian, who became the first rider from his country to win a Grand Tour as he took last year’s Giro d’Italia, will now remain with the American “Argyle Armada” at least through 2015.
“I am very excited to continue with Garmin-Sharp for another 2 years,” Hesjedal said. “I have had the biggest results of my career riding for this team and I’m very happy here.
“From my teammates to everyone involved with the organisation, especially our sponsors and partners, everyone works exceptionally hard for the success of Garmin-Sharp and I want to continue to be a part of that.”
Aside from his Giro victory, Hesjedal – who has been with the team since 2008 – finished sixth in the 2010 Tour de France, won a stage in the 2009 Vuelta a España, and been part of Garmin’s victorious team time trial squad; once in the Tour de France and twice in the Giro d’Italia.
“Ryder is an important part of the team, not just because of his great results and exceptional talent but also because of who he is,” said Garmin-Sharp manager Jonathan Vaughters. “We have seen his talent grow over his years with us, something we know will continue.
“He is a Grand Tour champion and an important part of the fabric of Garmin-Sharp. We are thrilled that he will continue with us.”
Unfortunately for Hesjedal, the defence of his Giro d’Italia title did not go well, and he was forced to abandon the race midway through with what turned out to be an upper respiratory infection. Having recovered, however, he will begin the second part of his season this weekend at the Tour de Suisse, before taking aim at the Tour de France.