Canadian rider
The 25-year-old from
“We knew Derek had a big engine when we took a chance on him, and signed him to our U23 Continental program a couple of years ago," team owner
"It was a real coming out party for Derek, along with the young teammates who accompanied him on our Giro squad."
Gee turned heads last month in his first Grand Tour race, finishing second four times and fourth twice. He placed 22nd in the final general classification standings and was runner-up to
The Canadian was also honoured as the Giro's "super combative rider.''
“Derek Gee is a phenomenal rider and one we see as a future leader of this team," said
"By signing him through to 2028, we are laying the foundation for Derek to develop into the best rider he can be. Beyond Derek’s racing talent, he is truly one of the nicest and most humble riders we have had the pleasure of working with and I think the whole cycling world saw this shine through in the way he presented himself on and off the bike at the Giro. The future is looking bright with Derek in IPT colours."
Gee, who is now based out of
"I know another five years is a long time, especially in the cycling world, but this team feels like home," he said. "The relationship I have with the riders, staff and management, and the direction I can see the team going from a performance standpoint, is something I’m incredibly keen to be a part of for the long term. It also gives me the stability to take a step back and try new directions as a rider that may not have even been something I was considering before the Giro.”
“I honestly can’t say exactly which direction I want to go as a rider and what I want to achieve in that direction, but for now the biggest thing on my mind after the Giro is just getting a win. So many second places made me extremely hungry to get that first win and hopefully one day get a stage win in a Grand Tour. "
Canadians
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published
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