"So much better than I could have asked for" - Derek Gee over the moon to start 2026 season in a new environment

Derek Gee has had a rough winter, a lot of it without a coach, in legal issues with Israel - Premier Tech and without a clear idea of what his future would look like. Fast forward into mid-February and the Canadian national champion in making his debut for Lidl-Trek, aiming for a result at the UAE Tour where he begins to build on his new three-year contract.

"It's definitely a mix of excitement and nerves. Mostly, I'm just looking forward to getting going again," the Canadian said in an interview with Cyclingnews. "We'll see. Maybe it'll be a super nice introduction, maybe we'll have crosswinds on the first day, and I'll be thrown right into it. But no, at this point, it's mostly excitement. I just want to get back in the bunch."

Gee was part of Israel - Premier Tech, but a clash with team management saw him leave the team in August. His last race was in late June, at the Canadian nationals, so it's been eight months without competition already. Only in January was Gee publicly signed by Lidl-Trek, after the end of the legal battle against his former team who claimed damages of up to €30 million.

However, as several sources pointed out, Gee was already in Spain back in mid-December with the German team, although there was an effort to keep that a secret. "Honestly, because I joined the team in December, I think the prep has definitely gone a lot better than I expected. The integration was super smooth, and the team's been great on that front".

Now it is time to put that preparation into action, as he makes his debut with his new jersey this Monday at the UAE Tour, after the team replaced the ill Giulio Ciccone with him.

"So I'm actually really happy with where I am to start the season. Obviously, I'm a last-minute addition to UAE, which is maybe not the perfect litmus test, because maybe missed some heat training or whatever prep[aration] specific for this kind of race".

"But I think it's gone so much better than I could have asked for, considering where I was physically and mentally in November. I'm not gonna say I'm flying, but compared to where I thought I would be after the end of last season, I'm really happy to be where I am."

With the likes of Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro on the startlist; and two hard summit finishes at Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet; as well as a time trial and potential crosswinds, it will put Gee's form, TT setup and chemistry with his new team in action already in a very complete way.