Local riders must have heaved a sigh of relief when they learned Israel – Premier Tech’s Derek Gee wasn’t actually racing at the Preston Street Criterium. Gee, who wowed the world with his four seconds, two fourths and 22nd overall during the Giro d’Italia, was back home in the Ottawa area. He’s only in town a few days before he heads out to Edmonton to defend his national TT title.
Preston Street Criterium 2023, Little Italy, Ottawa, Canada. #ottawa #photography #sports #cycling #ottcity https://t.co/5wIqPJ1v6m pic.twitter.com/2jZjivo74D
— Pierre Lachaîne (@pierre_lachaine) June 19, 2023
Derek Gee and the Gee-Ro
“Of course Derek was a huge highlight of the day and he couldn’t take a step without somebody wanting to shake his hand or get a picture with him or have him sign a souvenir,” race organizer, Doug Gorner said. Pink “Gee-Ro” t-shirts were on display everywhere. No surprise that the media wanted to talk to Derek and he responded with the grace and style that makes him so well liked by all.”
Derek Gee meets with local kids on Saturday
Of course, there was still a race going on. Laury Milette won the Elite, junior, master women’s race, and Nicolas Cote took the Elite, M1 men’s race.
The Israel – Premier Tech rider won Preston Street in 2017
Corner said that just like the year that Gee won Preston Street back in 2017, the 25-year-old showed his appreciation for those who help put on the long-running race.
Super thrilled to have met #Ottawa‘s own @DerekGee7 at The Preston Street Bike Races… “where it all began”. #cycling #Canada @IsraelPremTech pic.twitter.com/0aKVhNRoKM
— Chris Tymofichuk 🇺🇦 (@Xpeggr) June 18, 2023
“A true hometown superstar. Derek did his walk around the course and all of the volunteers who are so essential for a successful event got some up close and personal time with him along with his Dad, Jon, on the very appropriate Father’s Day,” Corner said.
Preston Street Criterium
Elite, junior, master women 37 km; avg speed: 39.1 kph
1 MILETTE, Laury (Grand Est-Komugi-La Fabrique) – RWU23.1
2 PRIMEAU, Pénélope (Primeau Velo Racing) – RWE.1
3 UJFALUSI, Lilly (Primeau Velo Racing) – RWE.1
4 LEBRETON, Madeline (The Cyclery Racing) – RWE.1
5 LYLYK, Kiara (The Cyclery Racing) – RWE.1
6 GOUDSWAARD, Skyler (The Cyclery Racing) – RWE.1
7 PRIMEAU, Camille (Primeau Velo Racing) – RWE.1
8 BROSSEAU, Fanny (iBike) – RWE.1
9 SHAFFER, Rachel…
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