27 May 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement after receiving news that Ryder Hesjedal had won the Giro d'Italia cycling race:
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Ryder Hesjedal for his amazing victory in the Giro d'Italia, riding for team Garmin-Barracuda. This remarkable win in one of bicycle racing's most grueling competitions is a testimony to Mr. Hesjedal's training, endurance, skill and competitive spirit.
"It is a particularly proud moment for Canada given that this is the first time in the history of professional cycling that a Canadian has won one of the sport's three grand tours.
"We thank Mr. Hesjedal for this defining moment in Canadian sport and wish him well in his upcoming races, including this year's Tour de France."
