No INEOS after all? After painful split with IPT, Derek Gee might sign for different top team

Most teams already have their rosters in place for the coming season, but there are still a handful of riders available on the market. Among them, Derek Gee remains by far the biggest name. The fourth-place finisher at the Giro d’Italia is still without a team following his acrimonious split with Israel–Premier Tech, but there finally appears to be movement in the case - and the latest twist is a surprising one.

While last year may have marked his breakthrough, 2025 was confirmation, and then some. Gee capped off an extremely consistent spring with a sensational Giro d’Italia. Particularly in the final week, he proved to be one of the strongest riders in the race, eventually finishing fourth overall in the Tour of Italy, less than two minutes off the podium. It was an outstanding performance from the Canadian, who then suddenly disappeared from the international peloton.

Gee did go on to claim the Canadian national road title, but problems soon followed. The general classification rider did not travel to the Vuelta a España, and that absence had a clear reason. On 9 August, he decided to terminate his contract with Israel–Premier Tech. The team would not let him go easily, triggering a major legal dispute that reportedly included a damages claim of up to €30 million from the squad. One thing is certain: Gee will not be part of the NSN Cycling Team, the successor to the Israeli outfit.

According to reports, Gee’s departure from the Ottawa-born rider was closely linked to the war in Gaza, which led him to feel compelled to distance himself from the team. Interest in his services was widespread. INEOS Grenadiers appeared to be the strongest candidate to sign the Canadian climber, but the British squad now seems more focused on a potential move for Oscar Onley. That leaves the question: what next for Gee?

Gee, who has taken the name Derek Gee-West since his recent wedding, is now reportedly heading towards Lidl-Trek. Both British journalist Daniel Benson and the Italian Ciro Scognamiglio report that the team is close to securing the Canadian’s signature. Nothing has been signed yet, but Benson suggests that an announcement could come within the next few days.

He could even be arriving today at the training camp of the German squad in Spain, Benson reported later. If true, a presentation of the GC-rider could be on the horizon far sooner than later. To be continued...