News for February 9

On tour in Malaysia with Ryder Hesjedal

By Steve Thomas in Port Dickson

Ryder Hesjedal Photo ©: Canadian Cyclist

Canadian racer Ryder Hesjedal is better known as one of the World's brightest young cross country mountain bike prospects. However this year the 21 year old from British Columbia has decided to kick his season off earlier than usual in Le Tour de Langkawi, a far cry from the dirty trails of the mountain bike World Cup scene.

CN: It's quite a surprise to see you here in Langkawi, a road stage race which is quite early in the season, especially for a mountain biker?

RH: I was considering riding last year, but it didn't quite happen. So when the opportunity came up this season I took the opportunity. It's great training, and I hope it will give me more strength in the dirt this year.

CN: How has the race been going, and what are your aims this week?

RH: Everything has been going well, and I'm lying 15th overall on GC, which I'm pleased with. In a couple of days it's the stage to Genting Highlands, and I climb pretty well, so I hope to finish quite well and to maybe end up high overall on GC. Though we have lost a few team members now.

CN: How have you been preparing for the event?

RH: I've been at home in BC all winter, as usual. I train every day with Roland Green, we usually put in long 200-220km days on the road, which is great for building endurance and base fitness.

CN: What is your cycling background, is the road scene all new to you?

RH: I started out mountain biking, and turned pro about 4 years ago. I don't race that much on the road. Last year I rode Redlands and Sea Otter with the Gary Fisher team, and got 15th overall, they were my first stage races.

CN: Does this mean you're likely to be following the trend being set by the likes of Cadel Evans and Miguel Martinez by turning full time towards the road?

RH: No, well, certainly not for the moment. We'll have to see what happens longer term, but right now the dirt is definitely where I am.

CN: where does your season head from here?

RH: I go home for a little while. Then I go to a joint Trek/Fisher training camp in Slovang California. Next it's Redlands and Sea Otter and then on to selected World Cup races and the NORBA series.

CN: Where do your immediate hopes and ambitions lie?

RH: Last year was great for me, so I hope to build and progress on that. I'll be riding quite a few world cups, and would really like to win a round. I'll also be going for the NORBA series, and after finishing second in the under 23's at the World Championships I'll be aiming to win this time around.