Canada's Ryder Hesjedal kisses the pink jersey after winning the 95th Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 27, 2012. Hesjedal's pink jerseys from his Giro d'Italia victory has fetched US$10,300 on eBay.(AP Photo/Fabio Ferrari)
June 20, 2012 - 12:29 PM
One of Ryder Hesjedal's pink jerseys from his Giro d'Italia victory has fetched US$10,300 on eBay.
The first Canadian man to win one of cycling's three Grand Tours put his Stage 7 autographed jersey up for auction.
Hesjedal has said the money will go to Canadian Athletes Now Fund, or CanFund, and also to his own cycling foundation.
A pink jersey, or maglia rosa, is worn by the Giro d'Italia's overall leader.
Hesjedal first earned it on the seventh stage of the gruelling 21-stage race and held it for two more before reclaiming it on Stage 14.
The jersey, advertised as "only slightly worn, may have champagne residue" drew 63 bids prior to close Wednesday.
“I had the opportunity to benefit from the Can Fund as an Olympic athlete early in my career and it was a big help to me," Hesjedal said in a statement posted on the Can Fund website. "It’s great to now be in a position to help give back.”
The Victoria native will be Garmin-Barracuda's team leader for the Tour de France starting June 30.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012