'First impression was really good' - Gee-West positive about Ayuso chemistry at Lidl-Trek

Derek Gee-West has outlined his ambition to target a podium finish at the Giro d'Italia in May and explained how he sees the dynamic between himself and fellow new Lidl-Trek signing Juan Ayuso.

In his first season with Lidl-Trek, Gee-West will return to the Giro, the race where he first made a name for himself in 2023 after finishing runner-up on four stages, the points and mountains classifications. 

Speaking to Bici.Pro at Lidl-Trek’s media day, Gee-West explained his passion for the Italian Grand Tour and hence the reason for an immediate return after riding in 2025. “Ever since I was a child, it has always been my favourite Grand Tour. It's something that if I did it every year for the rest of my career, I would be happy,” Gee-West told Bici.Pro.

Since his breakthrough in 2023, Gee-West has finished 9th at the Tour de France in 2024, before returning to the Giro with his best GC result yet, 4th overall. The Canadian champion has outlined his ambitions to go one step better in 2026 and reach a maiden Grand Tour podium, and is optimistic that his new team can help in that aspect.

"The resources and expertise here are immense. It's hard to say what the differences will be. The goal of being in a team like this can only be to aim for the podium,” said Gee-West. 

“I hope it will help me take another step forward. I joined this team basically because they are incredibly ambitious. Analysing the offers I received, I couldn't see any downside to this one.”

With the arrival of Juan Ayuso to the team as well as Gee-West, Lidl-Trek’s GC department has been bolstered significantly, and the Canadian champion was asked about how the dynamic between the duo will work with both harbouring similar leadership ambitions.

‘I've only spent a week and a half with him, but we'll be travelling a lot together and, honestly, the first impression was really good,” said Gee-West. “We got along very well, we immediately understood each other, and I can't wait to race with him. I think we'll be able to help each other depending on the circumstances.”

Ayuso is pencilled to lead Lidl-Trek’s GC charge at the Tour de France in the summer, but the duo will reportedly race together for the first time at the Volta ao Algarve, which kicks off on February 18.