Ryder Hesjedal has been a stage winner in all three grand tours (TTT), including taking out the general classification in the 2012 Giro D'Italia. He has a gritty and determined riding style - clearly demonstrated at this years Italian race on stage 16 - the gruelling ordeal of the snow covered and wet climb up the Gavia and Stelvio. Only the world's best climber, and eventual winner, managed to cross the finish line before him.
Ryder is certainly not a loser in the fashion stakes though with the iconic Swedish company POC as a sponsor to Garmin Sharp expect to see some "out of the box" styles worn by the whole team.
So, want to look like Ryder? Check out our list of kit for the Canadian cycling star.
Bike: Cervelo R5 dura ace Di2 (or RCa)
Because of its rarity you would be hard pressed to find a Cervelo RCa even if you could afford it, but the R5 is a close match. This version features Dura Ace Di2 but there are many groupsets available. Garmin Sharp have been riding the Cervelo bikes for a while now and they have proved to be one of the performers in the professional peloton: Superb handling and balance, light weight, stiffness and direct power delivery all adds up to a perfect race bike.
Computer: Garmin Edge 810 (matched with Vector pedals)
Obviously team Garmin riders will be using a Garmin computer. The Edge 810 is not as big a unit as the flagship 1000 model but it is still a fully featured GPS/heart rate/power computer. Now that Garmin has produced its own power measuring device in the form of the Vector pedals expect to see more team riders utilizing the new technology.
Helmet: POC Octal / Giro AEON
POC have really broken the mold regarding helmet styling in the peloton. With so much talk about "aero" these days you may wonder if this is actually a road helmet. What the Octal loses in aerodynamics it makes up for with ventilation and style! Ryder has also been seen donning the more traditional Giro AEON.
Glasses: POC DO Blade Hesjedal ed.
Want to really grasp that Ryder Hesjedal look? Channel your inner pro peloton Canadian with the special edition DO Blade Hesjedal ed sunnies. They look the bomb and apparently perform well too. The whole Garmin team can be seen wearing the POC DO Blade glasses in a variety of colours.
Clothing: Castelli
The real team look only comes when kitted out in full uniform: In the case of Garmin Sharp that means Castelli. Racing jerseys may be either the Castelli Climbers or Aero Race depending on conditions. The bib knicks will be Castelli Inferno.
Team clothing doesn't end here. The total and complete look can only be achieved with adding gloves and socks. In this case it is Castelli team socks and Roubaix gloves.
Shoes: Shimano R320B
It would be difficult to get Ryder's custom Canadian shoes but the closest you will find is the standard version of the Shimano R320B shoes he wears. The top line Shimano shoes feature the heat moldable custom fit technology to ensure the shoes are the best possible fit. These are full-featured road racing shoes and close to as good as it gets.
Handlebars: 3T Ergosum Team
The road bars Ryder uses feature a fairly shallow drop. The 3T Ergosum bars are lightweight and strong, perfect for adding bling to your bikes cockpit.
Stem: 3T ARX team
Perfect match to the 3T bars is the Team ARX stem.
Saddle: fi'zi:k Arione Carbon Tri 2
The Arione has been used by the pro peloton for many years now. The version Ryder often uses is the Tri 2 which features a beefed up nose section for extra comfort when riding forward in the saddle during big time trial like efforts. This model also features a full carbon base and rails making it lightweight and strong.
Bidon cages: Arundel Mandible carbon
These cages are super light carbon jobs. If you're lucky you may find a set with Team Garmin Argyle styling but if not this is a close as you'll get.
Wheels: Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate
Lastly, to set your bike up like Ryder go get yourself a set of Mavic Cosmic Carbon hoops. Mavic are renowned for their bomb proof wheels and these top of the range beauties are no different. 100% carbon from the rim to the spoke to the hub. Don't expect much change for a coffee on the way home from the shop.
