Derek Gee is coming home to the Preston Street Criterium
The revelation of the Giro will be at the long-running race
Photo by:
Sirotti
Some exciting news for cyclists and fans headed to the Preston Street Criterium on June 18: Derek Gee will be there!
Doug Corner, the organizer of the event, says once he learned the Israel – Premier Tech rider would be coming home after finishing his racing stint in Europe, he wondered if the 25-year-old could make an appearance. “A few messages back and forth, and success. We are extremely happy and we have no doubt that the turnout will be huge. After all, we have been watching him since he was a pre-teen and his achievements have been phenomenal.”
Racing at the long-running crit will start at, 9:00 a.m. with the last one finishing around 6:30 p.m.
Gee will arrive in the afternoon to help with the u15 (M/F) race and the u17 (M/F) races. “While the races are going on he’ll probably be on stage with our announcer and answering questions,” Corner said.
The Canadian had an incredible performance at the 2023 Giro d’Italia, with four seconds, two fourths, placing second in the KOM, second in the sprints, and finishing 22nd overall. He also, by the way, is a former winner of the race in Ottawa’s Little Italy. The race is a popular event for locals, with lots of spectators expected.
Gee won’t be racing this year, Corner said. “He won’t be bringing his bike so the E1,E2,M1 riders can maybe say phew,” the organizer joked. “I think we know what would happen if he was in the race.”
In-depth interview with Derek Gee on the Giro d’Italia and the seconds that count
Corner shared one of his fondest memories of running the race, which has been around since 1973.
“One of the very special memories of Derek is in 2017 when he won the elite race . On his victory lap he thanked every volunteer around the course for their help and that was a very significant moment for all of them,” Corner said. “This year, he will walk the course and do the same. This is exactly what we wanted as well, because a lot of volunteers will not be near the stage for all the buzz when Derek is on stage. They’ll miss the action at the finish line but they will get an up close and personal moment with Derek.”
