'Bike racing isn't on paper' – Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d'Italia

Derek Gee-West enters his third Giro d’Italia with tempered expectations after an illness disrupted his preparation, forcing him to miss his team’s pre-race altitude camp in Sierra Nevada. The Canadian champion, who impressed last year by finishing fourth overall, acknowledges that a strong start to the race is unlikely due to the setback. However, he remains optimistic about building form as the three-week race progresses, aiming to find his peak in the latter stages when the race’s toughest challenges come into play. Gee-West’s current situation has eased some of the pressure on him as one of Lidl-Trek’s general classification leaders, alongside teammates Giulio Ciccone and Jonathan Milan, who are targeting stage wins and sprint victories respectively. Despite missing crucial training, Gee-West has maintained a calm and measured outlook, focusing on what he can control and hoping to “reset” his form after the first two weeks of racing. His previous experience in Grand Tours, including his strong finish in the 2025 Giro, gives him confidence that he can recover from a slow start. The Canadian rider is realistic about the competition he faces, particularly from the race favourite Jonas Vingegaard, who is widely expected to dominate the overall classification. While acknowledging Vingegaard’s clear advantage on paper, Gee-West emphasises the unpredictable nature of bike racing and the potential for unexpected developments. This perspective highlights the inherent uncertainty of Grand Tours, where form, weather, and attrition can all influence the outcome beyond pre-race predictions. Gee-West also reflects on the unique challenges and appeal of the Giro d’Italia, praising its reputation for harsh weather and attritional racing. He believes these conditions suit his riding style and physical build, which have helped him perform well in previous editions. As the race moves into the high mountains, he hopes to leverage his resilience and experience to navigate the brutal terrain and potentially capitalise on the cold and rain that often define the Giro’s most demanding stages.