Derek Gee gets on the podium of Tour of the Dauphiné 2024 after the seventh stage. The runner of Israel-Premier Tech he is continuing to surprise in the transalpine race and, after having imposed himself in the third stage, he is confirming himself among the best even on the most challenging days. Even today, upon arrival at the altitude of Samoëns 1600, the 26-year-old finished in the top-5 in the wake of winner Primoz Roglic (Bora-hansgrohe), thus gaining third place in the general classification as Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) gave up 1’46” at the finish line. With just one stage to go before the end of the race, the Canadian can therefore dream of a very important result.
How was the ending?
Brutal. I knew for a couple of kilometers that I wasn’t able to sprint, when the others started I tried to do my best until I reached the finish line.
With Remco missing, you’re now on the podium: how was your day?
I feel very good. The guys were fantastic alongside me. It was a very hard day, I always tried to keep the best position possible on the climb. I was always focused on the wheels in front of me to manage myself as best as possible.
Yesterday the finish was dry, while today it was a real mountain stage: is this result a step forward for you?
I’m very happy. I was a little nervous about how things would go and how my body would react to all that effort, but I’m very very happy with how it went.
How do you feel about being with the best and ahead of some big names like Evenepoel?
Honestly, in those moments you don’t think about anything. You just try to climb as best you can, you just look ahead and that’s it. But definitely, when you look at the results afterwards, it’s not bad at all.
At this point are you starting to think about the final podium?
If I have these legs again tomorrow it starts to be realistic. I can’t wait to fight with all I have to try tomorrow.
Do you think you can do even better?
Oh God… Those two seemed very strong today, but you never know… They could have a bad day, or it could happen to me. We will see…
