The Canadian professional cyclist Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp), who won the Giro d'Italia last year, has reacted to the accusations made against him in the autobiography of the confessed doping offender Michael Rasmussen. In the book, which will be published next week, the Dane Hesjadal alleges that he was interested in doping practices during his time as a MTB professional. As the Garmin-Sharp team has now announced, the Canadian has already commented on the allegations, which essentially relate to the year 2003. Both the USADA and the Canadian anti-doping agency CCES are said to have received his statement. In connection with this, they once again emphasized the demands for an agreement between the world cycling association UCI and the world anti-doping agency WADA, by means of which it should be made clear how cases of doping abuse in the past should be dealt with. 
In any case, Hesjedal appears to have been reformed. "Cycling is my life", Hesjedal is quoted in a press release. "And even though I made those mistakes ten years ago, that doesn't change the fact that they are mistakes and I've lived with that burden ever since. [...] I'm sorry. [...] That's why I want to do everything in the future to ensure that the sport I love continues to develop in this direction." His team protects him. An official statement says: “From the beginning we at Slipstream Sports have made it a priority to provide riders with an environment in which they can practice our sport properly. [...] Ryder is no exception. He was contacted by the relevant authorities a year ago and gave them detailed information. That is why he has our full support.”
cycling: Ryder Hesjedal takes a stand on doping history