"I want to take the next step" - Derek Gee returns to the Giro d’Italia chasing the podium after remarkable rise

Few riders have transformed their reputation at the Giro d’Italia as dramatically as Derek Gee. When he lined up for the 2023 edition, the Canadian was still largely an outsider on the WorldTour scene, known mainly for a national time trial title and little else in terms of major professional victories. Three weeks later, he left Italy as one of the revelations of the race.

From the opening days to the final mountain stages, Gee became one of the defining faces of that edition through constant aggression.

Flat terrain, medium mountain days or summit finishes, it made little difference. He attacked from distance, joined breakaways and launched late moves with remarkable consistency, turning himself into one of the most watchable riders in the peloton.

Results followed that relentless approach. Gee finished runner-up on four separate stages, in Fossombrone, Viareggio, Cassano Magnago and on the iconic slopes of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. He also added two fourth-place finishes in Crans-Montana and Palafavera, underlining his versatility across very different profiles.

Beyond the stages, he ended the race second in both the points classification and the mountains competition, narrowly missing out on the Maglia Verde and Maglia Azzurra.

“The Giro has always been my favorite Grand Tour, ever since I watched it as a kid,” Gee said at the Giro d'Italia.

“It has a special place in my heart, and it’s the only three-week race ever won by a Canadian (Hesjedal in 2012). It’s also the race where I really made a name for myself and the first where I was able to fight for a top overall result.”

That breakout performance marked the start of a steady rise. Since then, Gee has developed from breakaway specialist into a genuine contender for the general classification. He claimed a top ten overall at the Tour de France before taking another major step forward with fourth place at the 2025 Giro d’Italia.

Even so, the Canadian, now riding for Lidl-Trek, still looks back fondly on the freedom of his first appearance.

“Still, I don’t think any Grand Tour will ever match 2023 for me in terms of enjoyment. We didn’t have sprinters or GC riders, zero expectations, zero pressure, and total freedom to race.“

“I attacked almost every day, it was incredible, a situation that will be hard to replicate in my career. Now the focus has shifted to the general classification: you enjoy it a bit less, but if things go well, the rewards are huge”.

His ambitions are now firmly centred on fighting for the overall standings. Last season’s fourth place, only 1:40 away from the podium occupied by Richard Carapaz, confirmed he can compete with the elite over three weeks. In 2026, Gee will return to the Giro d’Italia for a third appearance, this time with even bigger expectations.

The build-up has not been completely smooth. After an encouraging UAE Tour, where he finished seventh despite a lengthy absence from racing caused by physical setbacks the previous year, Gee was later forced to abandon the Volta a Catalunya. Even so, the expectation is that he will complete his preparation, likely through the Tour of the Alps, and arrive at the start in strong condition.

“Last year I had a really strong build-up to the Giro, so the idea was to try and replicate it, maybe improving in the areas where it was needed,” Gee explained. “Hopefully the results will prove me right”.

The question now is whether repeating last year’s result would be enough.

“Yes, I’d be happy to match that result,” he said. “Of course, when you finish 4th and you’re close to the podium, you always hope to take that next step and reach third place. But the race changes, the rivals change, and you never know what can happen.“

“Right now, it’s hard to say what I’ll really be capable of, but I wouldn’t be disappointed with another fourth place. The dream? Definitely to get on the podium, that’s what I’m working for. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to say if I can achieve it, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”