Derek Gee and his Israel – Premier Tech teammates have been in Girona for 9 days right now for the first pre-season training camp, and general manager Kjell Carlström has announced what is in store for him in 2025.
The 2025 program is shaping up well, following a strong season, as the former Finnish pro cyclist said. The team has early season goals right off the bat, with Stevie Williams aiming to defend his Santos Tour Down Under title and Corbin Strong targeting the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. For the European season, the team has set goals such as a podium finish in its first Monument race, repeating their results in the Ardennes Classics, and achieving more success in WorldTour stage races, particularly at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Gee for Giro
As for Gee, he is headed back to Italy.
“On the Grand Tour front, Derek Gee will focus on the Giro d’Italia, and we’re excited to see him return to the race that played a significant role in his career last year. After finishing in the top 10 in his debut Tour de France, he will aim for the general classification as he continues his growth as a GC rider. This means our Tour de France will focus more on stage wins, as we look to add to our three previous stage victories,” Carlström said.
Derek Gee showed us why the Giro and the Tour need to bring something very special back
In 2023, Gee was the revelation of the Giro. It was a breakout ride for the 27-year-old.
He took four second places in stages, two fourths in his Grand Tour debut, as well as finishing second overall in the KOM. He was second overall in the sprints, second in intermediate sprints, and 22nd overall. He was second overall in kilometres spent in breaks.
The 2025 Giro d’Italia will be very different
At the Tour in 2024, he levelled up again, finishing 9th overall. He returns to Italy not as an unknown, but a favourite for the podium.
“It’s very special to return to the Giro d’Italia,” Gee said. “That’s where I first experienced Grand Tours. I remember how passionate the crowds were. Although I’m approaching it differently this time than in 2023, I’m just as excited.”
Gee knows that this Giro will be very different.
“I think there’s more pressure this time. And I’ve set higher expectations for myself, but that’s motivating,” he said. “The goal of doing a full build-up for the general classification and aiming to finish as high as possible in Rome is a great opportunity.”
The team also unveiled…
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