Ryder Hesjedal to lead Cannondale

10:48 - 07 May 2015

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Former winner Ryder Hesjedal will lead the Cannondale team at this year's Giro d'Italia.

Cannondale have confirmed that 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal will lead their team for the first Grand Tour of the year, which gets under way this weekend.

The Canadian's sole general classification victory in a Grand Tour came in the Giro three years ago, having finished ninth in the race last time out.

Hesjedal will be joined by three Giro debutants, Janier Acevedo, Nathan Brown and Davide Formolo along with Tom Danielson and TJ Slagter.

Danielson claimed the Mountains Classification at the recent Volta a Catalunya with Alan Marangoni and Davide Villella also included in the nine-man team.

Hesjedal said in a Cannondale statement: "I couldn't be more excited to start another Giro d'Italia with such a great group of people.

"The riders and staff know how hard a three-week race is and I know we are all ready for the challenge, and prepared to continue our strong legacy with the race."