Derek Gee ready for pink jersey assault at the Giro d'Italia: "Hopefully I can surprise a few people"

Derek Gee has emerged as one of professional cycling’s most unexpected, and impressive, breakout stars in recent seasons. Now 27, the Ottawa native has grown from tireless domestique to genuine general classification contender, and heads into the 2025 Giro d’Italia aiming for his biggest result yet.

Racing for Israel – Premier Tech, Gee first drew international attention at the 2023 Giro, where his relentless aggression earned him the overall Combativity award. But it was in 2024 that he firmly stepped into the spotlight. A stage win and overall podium at the Critérium du Dauphiné, followed by a remarkable ninth-place finish on debut at the Tour de France, signalled a new chapter in his career.

The momentum has only continued in 2025. Gee began the season with overall victory at O Gran Camiño, took fourth at Tirreno-Adriatico, and most recently finished third at the Tour of the Alps. Now, with a focused build-up and a fully dedicated team behind him, he’s targeting a place on the Giro d’Italia podium.

“I am ticking all the boxes now and going through every single detail to get everything right,” Gee told IDLProCycling.com.

“It is not just about the result this time. What really matters is that as a team we are getting everything in place throughout this entire process. That way we can build something for the long term too,” he explained.

“Mentally and physically I am in a completely different place. From the very start of this season the focus has been all in on one goal. Going for the GC at the Giro. Two years ago I went in with zero expectations and raced for stage wins. That was awesome. Last year I raced the GC at the Tour but with no targeted build up. This year it is completely different.”

That transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by the team’s staff. Sports director Oscar Guerreiro, who has overseen Gee’s preparation, described how the Canadian’s profile has changed dramatically in just a few years.

“Two years ago we noticed Derek recovers incredibly well day to day. He is also strong in the time trial and over the years he has dropped some weight to improve his climbing. Derek has the engine and almost never has a bad day, not even at last year’s Tour. Now we are treating him like a true GC leader and giving him everything he needs. All so that he can be in top shape for the Giro and go for the best result possible.”

Gee’s performance at the Tour of the Alps wasn’t his sharpest, but Guerreiro made it clear that was never the intention. The race was a stepping stone in a carefully calibrated Giro build-up.

“He is not fresh right now, but this race is not a goal for him. That was the case in Gran Camiño, where he won a stage and the overall. Same for Tirreno-Adriatico, where he finished fourth. After a long altitude camp, he is lacking race rhythm and that is exactly what he is here to find.”

“It is all part of the Giro build-up,” he added.

One of the key figures supporting Gee in Italy will be veteran Jakob Fuglsang, who has embraced a mentor role.

“I am actually happy Derek is not flying here yet. That would be too early. We are in a good place heading into the Giro,” the Dane said. “Can I still teach him something? I am not sure, because he already rode GC at the Tour last year and learned a lot there. But I can protect him and make sure his legs are as fresh as possible. That is my job. That is why I am here.”

Fuglsang also praised Gee’s personality and leadership, which have become key elements of his rise, “Derek is always smiling. He is a kind person, very grateful and honest. He is a natural leader, the kind you want around. He used to be a helper, and now suddenly he is the team leader. The other riders respect him and enjoy having him around. Everyone feels comfortable with Derek.”

As for the expectations? Gee is content to let others grab the spotlight.

“It is actually nice that people are not talking about me too much. It will not change the end result of the Giro anyway. The less pressure, the better. I just want to race freely and see where that takes me. Hopefully I can surprise a few people,” he said.

Guerreiro echoed that sentiment, pointing to the potential rather than pressure, “You can always have a bad day in a Grand Tour, but there is no reason to think he cannot fight for the GC. We are very curious to see how far he can go after the way he has developed in recent years and looking ahead to the future as well.”

Gee himself remains grounded, yet quietly ambitious, “So far I would say it has been fun in different ways,” he said. “It is great to have everything planned for you and to know exactly what you need to work on.

“But on the other hand it is also really fun to go stage hunting with no pressure. There are still so many things we do not know because this is the first time I am going through all of this. A top five in the Giro would be a dream, but we are taking it day by day and just hoping the legs come good in the final week. That will be the real test.”

And while his role has changed dramatically, Gee still sees value in the teamwork that brought him to this level.

“The level in pro cycling has gone up so much in recent years. On a good day I can still keep up and maybe go for a result myself. But it is not like it used to be. That is why I get a lot of satisfaction from the role I have now. I try to support the younger riders and help the GC guys. Chasing results together is something I feel I am really good at.”