Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria Presented by GoodLife Fitness
Canadians get the opportunity to be a 'Ryder' on Canada's premier cycling course
VICTORIA, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - 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 24th—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 - 140km, 100km and 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
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
To register for the Tour de Victoria or for more information, please visit www.tourdevictoria.com or 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
Interview opportunities available with TDV Race Director Seamus McGrath (Bio available here)
Hesjedel has provided all participants with an in-depth training plan along with his 5 most important tips for training, in no particular order:
#1 Recovery
Something that is overlooked by most cyclists is recovery. As a cyclist, your recovery is as important as your training. You can't train properly day after day without recovering. Continue Reading
#2 Riding
Proper fuelling while on the bike will make your training rides longer and more enjoyable! It will also make you perform better in races. Continue Reading
Core strength is very important in cycling. All of the small core muscles need to be in top shape to help with the following-breathing, position on the bike, handling of the bike, balance and prevention of injury. Continue Reading
Always show up prepared and ready to go on ride morning. Following this checklist will allow you focus on the ride and be ready to go, instead of stressing out and running around trying to find items before the big day. Continue Reading
Over training occurs when you don't pay attention to your recovery! You are your best coach. You need to listen to your body every day. Continue Reading
For more training information from Ryder visit: www.tourdevictoria.com
Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria
The Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria is a supported mass participation
cycling event, catering to all fitness levels by offering three
distances: the League 140km for the enthusiast, the Island Savings
100km for the entry-level rider and a 50km ride for those who want to
experience cycling for the first time!
GoodLife Fitness
GoodLife Fitness is Canada's largest and most successful fitness company
with almost 300 locations across Canada. This year GoodLife celebrated
33 years in business, and holds platinum status Canada's 10 Most
Admired Corporate Cultures award and Platinum Club member, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies honouring seven consecutive years of outstanding management and fiscal
performance. 1 in 45 Canadians is a GoodLife Member.
GoodLife Kids Foundation
GoodLife Kids Foundation is a private foundation with a vision for every
Canadian kid to have the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good
life. Since 2009 GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant Program has given out
over $550,000 to organizations providing opportunities for kids to
benefit from an active life. To date the GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant
Program has supported 50 organizations and 160,000 kids, ages 4 to 14,
across Canada providing opportunities for kids to positively change
their physical activity behaviour. For more information visit: www.goodlifekids.com
SOURCE GoodLife Fitness
Image with caption: "Ryder Hesjedal, the first ever Canadian Giro D'Italia champion and GoodLife Fitness Founder and CEO, David Patchell-Evans. Location: January 3rd Press Conference announcing Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria presented by GoodLife Fitness. (CNW Group/GoodLife Fitness)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120529_C3645_PHOTO_EN_14304.jpg
Share this article