"It's been a massive learning curve" - Derek Gee one of the breakout stars of 2023 Giro d'Italia

Although he hasn't quite managed to secure a stage win as of yet, regular breakaway appearances and four top 5 stage finishes have meant that Derek Gee has been one of the most impressive riders at this year's edition of the Giro d'Italia.

"The level of confidence I had going in versus now has definitely changed," Gee revealed on Monday's second rest day of the race. "I've learned maybe I don't hate the cold and the rain as much as most. It's been a massive learning curve, for sure. I think I just have really good legs."

With three second places to his name on stages 8, 10 and 14, Gee has been at the forefront of much of the excitement seen at this year's Giro. "He's one hell of a bike rider, he just wants to get out there and race his bike. We've had really bad conditions, some of the worst conditions I've seen in a Grand Tour and it doesn't phase him, he just gets out there and races his bike," praised Sam Bewley, Israel - Premier Tech's sports director.

"It's been, for sure, an emotional two weeks. But if you'd told me coming in that that's what would happen, I would have been ecstatic. I still am," says Gee who still desperately wants that stage win. "There's quite a few hard days between now and Rome. "Although the confidence has been growing throughout this race, it's still quite a daunting task."