Derek Gee-West finally has a new home. And with that new home comes new goals. Yesterday, Gee-West told us that the Giro d’Italia will be the focus of his 2026 season. After months of doubt, that means Canadian fans can look forward to him returning to his favourite race, the one that launched his career into the stratosphere, but with a new team.
Gee-West went from a Canadian favourite to an international sensation with his performances at the Giro in 2023. In 2025, Gee-West had another sensational showing, finishing fourth overall before his season was cut short by a dispute with his former team. The Ontario-born racer shared that with his move to a new team, the Giro will again be the main focus of his season. But now with the backing of Lidl-Trek’s vastly different structure.
In our conversation, the Canadian shared that the sheer size of Lidl-Trek program was overwhelming when he arrived at his first team camp.
“There’s the men’s team, women’s team, devo team and all the staff. And, I was struck by how smoothly it ran, despite that. I showed up and there was an entire hotel of just Lidl-Trek.”
With a new team, and one with a longer history in racing, it will be an opportunity for Gee-West to take on the Giro with his sights set on moving further up the GC. After ’25, the only way to move up is to step onto the final podium. And with the massive support structure and experienced team of Lidl-Trek, Gee-West says that feels like a real possibility.
Before the Giro, Gee-West will race Volta ao Algarve, Volta Ciclista a Catalunya and the Tour of the Alps in preparation for the big show.
Stiff competition makes for an enthralling showdown in Italy
A Grand Tour podium is never an easy goal, though. Gee isn’t the only rider who has publicly announced the Giro as a major season target.
Of the several top contenders Gee-West will face at Giro d’Italia this year, one stands out. That is Jonas Vingegaard. With multiple Grand Tour wins, the Dane will certainly be top of mind for the Canadian as he prepares for his Giro return.
Visma-Lease a Bike’s captain is turning his attention to Italy before he returns to the next chapter in his long-running Tour de France rivalry with Tadej Pogaćar. With the Dane losing that battle the last few years running, questions linger why he is heading to the Giro…
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