Garmin-Cervélo rider Ryder Hesjedal finished seventh in last year’s Tour de France, stepping up to a leadership role after Christian Vande Velde crashed out of the race. The Canadian is aiming to go higher this year, and said prior to Flèche Wallonne that he feels he is ahead of schedule.
“Yes, actually,” he said, when asked by VeloNation if he was happy with his buildup towards the Tour. “I first came into form in Pais Basque [ninth overall] and a little bit earlier, in Criterium International [seventh]. I felt better than last year in Pays Basque, so I am looking to see that again hopefully today and on Sunday, and then take that into my next races.”
Hesjedal was speaking prior to the start of Flèche Wallonne, where he hoped to ride strongly. He sought to turn things around after experiencing stomach problems in the Amstel Gold Race. “I felt good on Sunday minus a little problem, but that is bike racing,” he said. “I look forward to these races and I had my best rides here last season… I love these races. I have two more and the spring is over for me, so I am looking to make it count.”
Although netting 13th in Fleche Wallonne was less than he hoped (see his pre-and post-race interviews above), he remains focussed on tomorrow’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His second place in the 2010 Amstel Gold Race shows what he can do when things go to plan and if he is on a good day, he should be in the middle of the battle for a big result.