Cyclist Derek Gee Ends Contract with Israel-Premier Tech Amid Legal Dispute
For the first time since the outbreak of his legal controversy, prominent cyclist Derek Gee broke his silence this Monday. His statements come in response to his legal team’s significant move last week: The decision to terminate his ongoing contract with Israel-Premier Tech. Gee insinuated that ongoing issues had rendered it impossible for him to continue his association with the team, known as IPT.
Last Friday, it was confirmed that Gee’s legal team, as of early August, had formally put an end to the contract extension he had previously ratified, scheduled through 2028. IPT expressed their intent to uphold the agreement last week, signaling a potential for a serious, drawn-out legal dispute.
The decision to cut ties was not made lightly, explained Gee in Monday’s statement, but was rather the result of careful deliberation and substantial reasoning. Underlying issues with the team made it increasingly impossible for him to stay.
Derek Gee, a 26-year-old cyclist showing prodigious talent, also sought to refute rumors circulated by media outlets suggesting a potential link to Ineos Grenadiers. Wanting to dispel misconceptions, Gee emphasised that his decision pertains only to the dissolution of his prior contract with Israel-Premier Tech.
Conforming to UCI regulations, Gee asserted that he had not yet signed contracts with, or even initiated dialogues with any new teams. This careful revelation marks the conclusion of his silence, following media coverage that hinted at him abruptly leaving IPT to potentially partner with Ineos Grenadiers.
Despite the rumors, Ineos Grenadiers’ officials from the UK have made no public remarks concerning the conjecture. In a counter-response on Monday, Israel-Premier Tech reiterated their stand: Derek Gee’s contract remains valid according to them, and they aim to uphold it.
The present circumstances are now entrusted to UCI and legal intermediaries to bring a resolution. With these unfolding events, Gee, an Ottawa native, is considered one of the most promising General Classification contenders from Canada in the past ten years, largely credited to his exceptional showings in the 2023 Giro d’Italia and the 2024 Tour de France.
Uncertainties began to crop up when Gee, after securing the fourth position in the 2025 Giro d’Italia, was conspicuously absent from the Vuelta a España’s starter list. With no upcoming races in sight for Gee at the moment, the speculation has only been fuelled.
As both sides resort to increasingly pointed remarks, it seems like Gee’s immediate future is now contingent upon the upshot of the upcoming contract dispute. Closure on the situation is highly anticipated by Gee, the teams involved, and the multitude of fans who follow the sport passionately.
In his full comment, Derek Gee reiterated the formal termination of his association with Israel-Premier Tech by his legal counsels. It was with a heavy heart, he admitted, that this decision to end his tenure with the team was arrived at after thoughtful considerations, and due to unavoidable causes. Continuing with the team had become nonviable for him.
He stressed again that his decision solely revolved around the cessation of his previous association with Israel-Premier Tech. Standing by UCI rules, he reaffirmed that he hadn’t signed contracts with or had preliminary discussions with any prospective teams yet.
In Gee’s poignant statement, he also extended gratitude to the team staff and his fellow riders with whom he had the honor to work during his time at the organization. The conflicts may have ended his tenure with the team, but the memories and growth he experienced during his association were not to be easily forgotten.
To clear any misconceptions, Gee poured cold water on the speculations linking him with Ineos Grenadiers, assuring fans and spectators that the decision was centred around his interaction with IPT and nothing else. His next step in his career will only be taken after keenly considering all factors.
Without jumping to conclusions or giving in to the pressure, Derek Gee trusts that the legal representatives along with the UCI will serve justice and bring this regrettable situation to a resolution. Until then, his sole focus remains on his training and preparations for the forthcoming seasons.
His talent and achievements that have positioned him as one of Canada’s most promising riders in recent times speak for themselves. Working through the current challenges, Gee remains committed to the sport and optimistic about his future despite recent setbacks.
Regardless of the tensions surrounding his career, Gee’s gratitude towards the individuals with whom he shared his journey at Israel-Premier Tech is notable. While the future may be uncertain, it is clear that Gee’s experiences at IPT have left an indelible impact on his journey as a professional cyclist.