Congratulations to

Canada's first ever

Giro D'Italia Champion

Ryder Hesjedal!

Canadians get the opportunity to be a ‘Ryder’ on Canada’s premier cycling course

[Victoria- B.C.]—On June 24, 2012, cyclists from across North America will gather in Victoria, British Columbia to ride in the tire marks of Canada’s newest sport hero and first ever Canadian Giro D'Italia champion, Olympian Ryder Hesjedal, in his second annual Tour de Victoria (TDV) Powered by GoodLife Fitness.   

On the heels of Ryder’s historic victory in Italy, cycling enthusiasts and beginners alike have a unique opportunity to experience the same Vancouver Island cycling routes and training practices that helped produce Canada’s first Grand Tour champion ever, Ryder Hesjedal.

“For Canadians, this is an opportunity for us to show our support and the pride we feel for Ryder and want to invite cycling enthusiasts to Victoria to participate in the ride on June 24^th—and wear pink!” said TDV Race Director, retired professional cyclist and former Olympian, Seamus McGrath. “Register today and it can be our way of also getting him pumped up for the Tour de France.”

“The most unique part of the Tour de Victoria presented by GoodLife Fitness—you’re receiving a training program from Ryder, an elite cyclist in the prime of his career, and riding on a course that he designed and trained on as well,” said McGrath.

“I’d compare it to receiving a comprehensive training program from Canadian golfer Mike Weir and then playing on a golf course designed by him, just after he won the 2003 Masters,” continued McGrath who in August 2010, while riding with Hesjedal, hatched the idea of the Tour de Victoria.

The two friends and training partners spent years training together on the very same roads that chart the course for the Tour de Victoria's route. The non-competitive experiential Tour de Victoria has three distances, 140 km, 100 km and 50 km, and showcases the incredible cycling routes that Vancouver Island has to offer.

“We are very proud to be supporting an event and an athlete that we can truly say is the greatest in the country,” said GoodLife Fitness Founder and CEO David Patchell-Evans. “What Ryder accomplished at the Giro D’Italia is a landmark in Canadian Cycling so we are excited to be partnering with Ryder and his team on an event he designed and made accessible to people of all fitness levels—from experienced cyclists to those just beginning this fantastic sport. Group Cycling is one of the key programs that we offer at GoodLife Fitness because we know the tremendous health and wellness benefits that come from cycling. Another great benefit of cycling is that it is not hard on your body and almost everyone can do it!”

The 140 km course, which was designed by Ryder and McGrath, mirrors the training routes that saw them rise to greatness in the elite cycling rankings. While the 100km and 50 km, also designed by Hesjedal and McGrath, offer the same incredible experience and further accessibility to those new to the sport of cycling.

“The 2011 Tour de Victoria was the highlight of my season,” said Hesjedal. “I know that sounds hard to believe (Ryder’s Garmin-Cervelo team won the team competition at the Tour de France), but riding my training roads with 1,500 others on a beautiful traffic controlled course made me very proud,” continued Hesjedal.  

Tour de Victoria Powered by GoodLife Fitness Details:

Tour Distances – www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/league-140km">http://www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/league-140km">140km, www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/island-savings-100km">http://www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/island-savings-100km">100km and www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/ryder-hesjedals-50km">http://www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/ryder-hesjedals-50km">50km rides.

(Click each link for more info about the distance)

Start Locations – There will be three different starting locations:

• 140km – Victoria
• 100km – Langford
• 50km – Sidney

The finish line will remain in Victoria at the BC Legislature.

A detailed route map is available here:

www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/ride-info-and-maps/route-map">http://www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/ride-info-and-maps/route-map">www.tourdevictoria.com/tour-info/ride-info-and-maps/route-map

As a bonus to registrants and to help them in their training, GoodLife Fitness will be giving all TDV riders complimentary one to three month memberships.

Registration for the 2012 TDV is now open. When registering, all participants have the option to donate to the GoodLife Kids Foundation (GLKF). Backed by world champion and Canadian Olympian, Silken Laumann, the GoodLife Kids Foundation is a private Canadian Foundation that envisions a Canada where all kids have the opportunity to benefit from an active life. www.goodlifekids.com/">http://www.goodlifekids.com/">www.goodlifekids.com

To register for the Tour de Victoria or for more information, please visit www.tourdevictoria.com/">http://www.tourdevictoria.com/">www.tourdevictoria.com or  www.goodlifefitness.com/">http://www.goodlifefitness.com/">www.goodlifefitness.com

Check out the sights and sounds of the 2011 Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria: https://vimeo.com/mediaone/review/43003856/62f319d3c2">https://vimeo.com/mediaone/review/43003856/62f319d3c2