Reigning Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) may have seemed to perform below par at yesterday’s individual time trial at the Italian stage race, finishing 18th on the day, losing almost two and a half minute on Alex Dowsett (Movistar).

Commenting on his showing immediately after the stage, though, Hesjedal didn’t reveal any signs of a dejected mood.

“Today’s time trial was truly undulating,” Hesjedal told Italian reporters according to Tuttobiciweb.it “There was no room for mistakes, so I tried to maintain a constant rhythm, but unfortunately things didn’t quite turn out they way I had hoped for. However, I’m still satisfied with the way I rode, and I felt that I finished strongly. I know I tend to improve and gain strength over the length of a three week stage race, so I’m looking forward to the coming two weeks. In fact, I can’t wait for the next stages.”

Hesjedal currently sits sixth overall at 2’05” down on race leader Nibali (Astana) going into the second week of racing at the Giro.