"Still to early" for Derek Gee to target Tour de France GC says Israel - Premier Tech DS despite Dauphine heroics

Having initially come to the attention of the cycling world with his breakthrough performance at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, Derek Gee took the next big step in his development at the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine, winning a stage and claiming a very impressive podium finish.

Understandably, Israel - Premier Tech are delighted by the performances of their Canadian starlet, albeit a little stunned at Gee's level. "This was a surprise for the outside world and for us too," Israel - Premier Tech sports director Rik Verbrugghe says in conversation with Sporza. "Derek had just been on an altitude training camp for 3 weeks and we immediately saw that he would be fine. We had come here for a place in the top 10. But the fact that he could also ride up with guys like Primoz Roglic and Matteo Jorgenson, the best climbers, is also nice to see for us. A pleasant surprise."

Having initially been a track rider, Gee as mentioned burst onto the road racing scene at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, finishing second in the points classification, the King of the Mountains classification and taking second on four separate stages, impressing with his recovery day after day. "We realized with the team that he should be able to develop a career as a tour rider," recalls Verbrugghe. "However, he could also do well in the classics. He was still doing well in Paris-Roubaix, until he had a puncture in the Bos. He can actually do a little bit of everything. We immediately committed him until 2028."

"We are building with Derek. He has already lost 4 kilograms since that Giro, but there is still a bit to lose. He is made for this work," continues Verbrugghe. The upcoming Tour de France may be a little too soon for the 26-year-old Canadian however. "I think that after this performance he is assured of a selection. But I think it is still too early to go for a classification now, rather for stage wins."