After taking the Maillot Jaune at the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with a sensational stage 3 victory, Derek Gee fought with all his might to keep a hold on the race lead in the stage 4 individual time-trial but eventually had to pass on the lead to Remco Evenepoel.
Despite losing the Maillot Jaune, Gee left everyone impressed by his valiant efforts as the Canadian crossed the line in 6th position, 1:24 down on the stage winner Evenepoel and enough to keep himself in the mix and the top of the general classification in 4th at 1:11 down on the Soudal - Quick-Step leader after four stages of racing done.
''I am super happy with this time trial. However, I did have a difficult start. Luckily it wasn't on camera, but I completely missed the second corner. After that, I was completely in panic mode," laughed the 26-year-old in his post-stage interview. "When I learned at the finish line that I had finished sixth, I was quite surprised. I had no idea on the road that I was riding well. Personally, I felt I had blown myself up at the start."
As has been showcased by riders many times in the past, something about wearing the Maillot Jaune just gives a rider that little something extra. "The jersey helps when you don't have your pacing quite right. It turned out to be my salvation," Gee admits honestly, having clearly enjoyed his day in yellow. "It was very special, indescribable. I enjoyed my day."
"I'm very happy with my level this year," Gee, who is likely to make his Tour de France debut at the end of the month, concludes. "Before this race I did my first altitude training. It helped a lot, I am very happy with the level I am achieving this year."
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