In a repeat act from last year, Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) pulled out of the Tour de Romandie on Friday to optimize his final preparation prior to his title defence at the forthcoming Giro d’Italia.

The defending Giro d’Italia winner stated it was a premeditated exit to allow him a full week of recovery after an intense spring to put the finishing touches on his defence of the pink jersey.

“Stopped today to give myself a week [until] the Giro,” Hesjedal posted on Twitter. “Same as last year, except I feel better on the bike.”

Last year, Hesjedal decided to call it a day in Romandie prior to stage 5, and then progressed through the Giro to become the first ever Canadian rider to win a grand tour.

So far Hesjedal has had a winless season, but his performance in the recent Liège-Bastogne-Liège indicated that he might be even stronger than last year. On several occasions he has dug deep to set up wins for his teammates, helping Daniel Martin to victory in both the Volta a Catalunya and the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Classic.