“Derek, go! » The cry intended for Derek Gee came from the mouth of Hugo Houle. With a kilometer to go, the Quebecer from Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) had just understood that his teammate Dylan Teuns did not have the legs to get involved in the final battle.
Houle, who was watching over the placement of the Belgian puncher, therefore made it known through the earpiece to his compatriot Gee, on the lookout after a solo attack from his Latvian colleague Krists Neilands.
In this uphill finale, the peloton of some 80 riders was well stretched. When Matteo Sobrero, teammate of Primoz Roglic (Bora-Hansgrohe), took Neilands’ wheel less than 500 meters from the finish, Gee did not hesitate and jumped from his saddle. Only Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) was able to follow, allowing himself to overtake the cyclist from Ottawa in the process.
Victory seemed promised to the young Frenchman, disgusted by his ninth place the day before when he believed he “had the legs to win”. Normally, the one who got caught is done. But Gee, surprised not to be swallowed up by a wave of pursuers, had not said his last word.
The ex-track rider got back in Grégoire’s wake, made four or five pedal strokes and, at the cost of a final effort, produced a second acceleration less than 150 meters from the line, leaving Grégoire without answer. After cutting the wire, Gee raised his arms, as ecstatic as he was surprised.
“When the guy went around me, I was sure I had lost the stage,” the winner said on the phone two hours later. I was super lucky because even though the road was uphill for seven kilometers, the last 300 meters was flat. When he passed, I smoothed out my effort and was able to take advantage of a little aspiration before sprinting. I’m glad I continued! »
This exceptional sense of anticipation and this second effort which was no less exceptional allowed him to win the third stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, Tuesday in Les Estables. This first victory in the WorldTour gives him the opportunity to wear the famous yellow leader’s jersey in the colors of Crédit Lyonnais, the same as in the Tour de France.
Gee wore the precious luminous tunic until he returned to the hotel, when he called La Presse again. “It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. I’m overwhelmed right now with all the messages. It’s a pretty special feeling! »
The 26-year-old athlete was able to share it with his fiancée, ex-cyclist Ruby West, who was waiting for him in the finish area, looking as amazed as her lover. “I think I chose my day well to win! » joked Gee.
This victory allows him to erase the bittersweet memory of his four heartbreaking second places in stages at the 2023 Giro, his very first grand tour.
“You always have imposter syndrome, especially after the Giro,” he admitted to the international broadcaster.
“Hats off to the team, who always believed in me. It’s sometimes a little harder to believe in yourself when you’ve had such a good three weeks. You come back to your old level and you ask yourself: was it just a fluke, everything lined up perfectly last year? It’s good for confidence to be able to confirm [my potential] this year. »
The two-time Canadian time trial champion was not surprised to learn that the injunction to counter-attack following Neilands came from Houle: “Honestly, it’s very cool to race with Hugo! He was fantastic all week. »
The Quebecer tipped his hat to his compatriot, emphasizing his composure in a crucial moment.
“It’s exceptional what he did today,” he praised. He demonstrated that he was in very good physical condition. The forcing he did in the final is impressive. He created his opportunity and managed it well. »
Like the day before when he worked to chase away escapees, Houle rode at the head of the peloton to position Teuns and Gee well as they approached the final climb. “I’m satisfied, I did a good job all day. From the start, we perhaps had our sights set on a breakaway. We had to see how the stage would develop. But Uno-X [of leader Magnus Cort] managed the race very well. I’m happy with my shape. »
Having a priority of three seconds over Cort, but above all seven over Roglic, winner in 2022, and nine over the American Matteo Jorgenson (Jumbo), the new leader will do everything possible to keep his yellow jersey at the he outcome of the 34.4km individual time trial on Wednesday.
Gee is the last Canadian winner at the Dauphiné since David Veilleux, who won the first stage and wore yellow for three days in 2013. This feat earned the cyclist from Cap-Rouge a selection for the Tour de France, a first for a native of Quebec.
Victim of a broken collarbone and hand and a concussion following a fall at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, which caused him to miss two months of competition, Gee hopes that his performance at the Dauphiné will also benefit him a first invitation to the Tour de France.
His successes at the Giro and the Dauphiné were achieved just before and after the selection period for the Tokyo Olympic Games (June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024).
“It’s a little late because the selection is made today,” Gee resigned himself. We don’t yet know who is going there. I hope the email comes in and says I will be there. »
In the eyes of Houle, who was also waiting for news from Cycling Canada, Gee “showed that he is in good shape right now.” “He’s definitely a very strong candidate. »
If he were the coach, would he take it? “Yes,” Houle replied after a short hesitation. He deserves to go there, that’s for sure, in terms of power. Afterwards, it’s very hard to determine which leader they want. It will then be a matter of choosing the runners accordingly. »
Michael Woods and Guillaume Boivin are the other two contenders for the two positions available in Paris.
Unless you are sequestered like a jury in deliberation, it is difficult to imagine that the selection committee will not have heard about what happened on Tuesday in the heights of the Massif Central…