Ryder Hesjedal is a retired Canadian professional cyclist, born on December 9, 1980, in Victoria, British Columbia. He is best known for his achievements in road cycling, particularly for winning the prestigious Giro d'Italia in 2012. Hesjedal began his career in mountain biking before transitioning to road cycling, where he gained recognition for his climbing abilities and endurance. Throughout his career, Hesjedal competed for several professional teams, including Garmin-Sharp and Team Canada. He represented Canada in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Championships. Hesjedal's contributions to cycling have made him a notable figure in the sport, inspiring many young athletes.