Canadian and his strong Garmin-Cervelo team hope to pull an Ardennes Vansummeren on Sunday.

Following a disappointing day in Limburg last Sunday beset by bad luck and health issues, the fortunes of the Garmin-Cervelo team began to turn yesterday in Huy. In arguably the world's most difficult bunch sprint finish, Frenchman Christophe Le Mevel took 9th, with Canada's Ryder Hesjedal a few spots further back in 13th.

It was a return to solid health for Hesjedal, who saw all hopes of a second straight podium appearance at the Amstel Gold Race ended with a bad stomach in the finale of the first of the three Ardennes classics.

Ryder Hesjedal has had a strong couple of weeks racing in Spain, first with a fourth place at the GP Miguel Indurain and followed by a top-ten at the Vuelta Cyclista Pais Vasco. Ryder sent this report:

First off what a VICTORY by Johan and the team! That was truly spectacular and I couldn’t think of a better time for a big win! Congrats to everyone.

This comes after some heavy racing on many fronts and for me the stretch of Criterium International, GP Indurain and Vuelta Pais Vasco has really set things up to keep it rolling into the hilly, highly coveted, final spring classics!

Canadian to race Strade Bianchi prior to French event.

After using Tirreno-Adriatico as part of race schedule for the last two years, Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Cervelo) will alter his programme, scrapping the Italian race for Paris-Nice, which starts this weekend.

The Canadian Tour de France and Classics specialist will still race in Italy this weekend though, starting Monte Paschi Strade Bianche on Saturday before jetting over to Paris for the start of the eight-day stage race.

After nearly winning twice, Canadian Ryder Hesjedal looks to conquer Strade Bianche on Saturday in Siena, Italy. He'll have the help of team Garmin-Cervélo's best men, Roger Hammond and Tyler Farrar, on the famous white gravel roads.

"Roger Hammond, he's experienced, he knows how to ride a hard classic," Hesjedal said. "Tyler, he is keen. He was excited when he heard I wanted to do it. He loves to help out when he can."