Ryder Hesjedal entered Stage 17 of the 2012 Giro d'Italia in second place, trailing leader Joaquim Rodriguez, and though Hesjedal put together a stellar race, he was unable to gain any ground on Rodriguez. Rodriguez took the stage, and though Hesjedal finished third just seconds behind Rodriguez, that's not going to do much to help him overtake first place.
Here, per @ProCyclingLive, are the top five finishers in Stage 17:
Giro d'Italia stage 17: 1. Rodriguez (KAT) 2. Basso (LIQ) 3. Hesjedal (GRM) 4. Uran (SKY) 5. Scarponi (LAM) #giro
— ProcyclingLive (@procyclinglive) May 23, 2012
The Giro d'Italia continues tomorrow in Vedelago, Italy with a short 149 kilometer stage that should favor the contest's sprinters. Hesjedal still has a shot at capturing the maglia rosa, but his time is beginning to run short.
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.