Ryder Giro ITTToday’s mountain time trial to Plan de Corones tested the weary legs of the Slipstream/Chipotle H30 crew. One rider - Canadian Ryder Hesjedal - felt at home on the challenging course.

“Today was spectacular! Easily one of the coolest time trials I have ever done,” said Ryder, who covered the 12.9 km course in 44′42″. Ryder had the best time for the team with Christian Vande Velde not far behind at 45′03″.

“The top was amazing with the crowds. It was a epic ascent for the last 5 km with the gravel and steep grades,” Ryder continued. “I felt comfortable and was feeling better as the day went on. Now a little rest and we hit the home stretch! ”

Tomorrow is a welcome rest day for the Giro squad before they wrap up with a few flat stages and the final individual time trial on June 1.

CORRECTION: Though the Giro had originally listed Chris Sutton in the overall GC, he was ultimately cut from the race for being outside the time limit. This of course is a bummer for the crew as “CJ” has been critical to the team’s efforts overall and in the sprints.

Slipstream Results Stage 16
1. Franco Pellizotti 40′26″

48. Ryder Hesjedal +4′16″
52. Christian Vande Velde +4′37″
91. David Millar +6′22″
124. Danny Pate +8′14″
146. Julian Dean +10′19″
150. Chris Sutton +12′09″

Slipstream GC
1. Alberto Contador Velasco 68:47′31″

40. Christian Vande Velde +39′54″
68. Ryder Hesjedal +1:20′12″
93. David Millar +1:48′35″
136. Julian Dean +2:41′36″
148. Danny Pate +2:48′37″