Dirt Devil: Ryder-ing up to 5th.

Leading the charge,

Ryder switches as mountain biker.

Here's my Giro wish. 

I wish that this Giro would extend for one more week, just enough time for the valiant Ryder Hesjedal to win a stage. Ryder Hesjedal rode like a demon on stage 20 and has ryder up to 5th overall. It really was his stage over the dirt tracks of the Colle delle Finestre. That's from his solid background as a mountain biker in Victoria. Hesjedal looked smooth inflicting strong accelerations and gapped the tiring Contador. What a finish it was a consecutive second place, shame he didn't win but his strong form could and should get him a Tour ticket. His second place 'winning' smile was a pretty good indication that he's happy with his excellent form and I predict big win(s) are surely to come.

At the end, Hesjedal and Uran had a chance to steal Aru's thunder.

An amazing stage up to the Cima Coppi...

I loved it out there on the dirt road. I ride on that stuff all the time and grew up riding on roads like that. I was having a great time out there.

- Ryder Hesjedal, 2nd place stage 20.

A look back...

photos Kristof Ramon/Cor Vos

1998: Silver, UCI Junior Mtn World Bike Championships.

2001: UCI Under-23 Mtn World Bike Championships.

2003: Silver, UCI MTN Bike & Trials World Championships