Cycling Canada officially announces that Derek Gee has withdrawn from the Elite men's road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. Following the crash he sustained at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, the athlete from Osgoode (Ontario), in consultation with Cycling Canada, has determined that he will not be able to compete at the 2026 Worlds.

"I am truly disappointed to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Canada at the home World Championships", states Gee. "Unfortunately, my recovery from the crash at the Grand Prix de Montreal has not been quick enough to allow me to race at my best, to contribute to the team, and to justify my place at the start line. Nevertheless, I look forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the Worlds in Montreal, even if this time I'll be watching from the other side of the barriers".

Guillaume Boivin will take Gee's place in the road race, a three-time national champion. Boivin will bring his extensive international and professional experience to the team, with podium finishes at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships Under 23 and the 2015 Pan American Games. An athlete of proven value in major international races and one-day classics, Boivin will join the Canadian national team for the Elite men's road race in Montreal, scheduled for Sunday, September 27th.

"I appreciate Derek's honesty in this situation; I know how difficult it is for him to miss the home World Championships. I'm excited about this opportunity: I aim to put in a strong performance and represent Canada well in front of the home crowd", says Boivin.