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Giro d’Italia 2014: stage nine – five observations

Orica-GreenEDGE success continues but Michele Scarponi's challenge ends

Look down the results sheet on stage nine and Ryder Hesjedal enjoyed another solid day to move up to 17th overall, though still 4’30” behind Cadel Evans.

Considering Hesjedal is a former champion, with a strong GC challenge having been one of his chief aims for the season, it doesn’t sound all that impressive but given the circumstances in which it has arrived it shows great perseverance from the Canadian.

Ryder Hesjedal has put together a consistent ride after disaster on stage one

Dan Martin’s huge crash in the team time trial meant the team were devoid of one of their strongest climbers from the very off, and also put Hesjedal 3’26” off the pace before the race had even really begun.

Add to that, getting caught behind the split on stage six – with team-mate Tyler Farrar among the riders to hit the deck hard – and the fact Hesjedal is still in with a chance of a top-ten finish should be applauded. The Canadian has come in for criticism for not following up his 2012 Giro win, but this year’s race – so far – shows he is returning to good form.

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