Derek Gee will return to the Giro d'Italia after his excellent performance in 2023 and this time he will be the captain of Israel Premier Tech and will hunt for a stage win and a good overall classification placement.

«The Giro definitely has a special place in my heart. This is where I had my first big results. The crowd was fantastic, and I am super motivated for this race. Returning to the Giro is truly special for me. It was special to chase stages two years ago, but this time I have a different and more ambitious goal thinking about the general classification. I don't want to talk about my expectations for the general classification, I just want to continue building on what we have already done this season. I just want to race the best race I can».

To support Gee, IPT will line up at the start with Corbin Strong, Hugo Houle, Jakob Fuglsang, Jan Hirt, Marco Frigo, Nick Schultz and Simon Clarke, a versatile group capable of targeting individual stages.

Sports director Sam Bewley explains: «It's no secret that we will go to the Giro d'Italia to race for classification with Derek. We believe he has the capabilities to do well. Of course, we also want to win stages at the Giro, and we have several guys who can do that. There should be many opportunities for riders who dare this year. Moreover, there are plenty of stages with fast but challenging finishes that really suit Strong».

And further: «We felt it was really important to support Derek with experienced riders, and we have great depth when it comes to experience in our group, with people like Simon Clarke, Jakob Fuglsang, Jan Hirt, Nick Schultz and Hugo Houle. All these guys have a history of supporting leaders in Grand Tours and therefore we wanted to have them here. They have already ridden together a lot during the season, they have really bonded as a group, and everyone has prepared very well for this Giro. We are ready».

The lineup: Derek Gee (CAN), Corbin Strong (NZL), Hugo Houle (CAN), Jakob Fuglsang (DEN), Jan Hirt (CZE), Marco Frigo (ITA), Nick Schultz (AUS) and Simon Clarke (AUS). Sports directors: Sam Bewley (NZL), Daryl Impey (RSA), Pat McCarty (USA).