Derek Gee is leaving Israel Premier-Tech. The Canadian cyclist had a contract with the WorldTour team until 2028 but is closing the door on the team three years early, reports cycling journalist Daniel Benson. Meanwhile, Israel Premier-Tech has issued an official statement regarding Gee.
Gee is reportedly set to sign a contract with INEOS Grenadiers, where he will be brought in as one of the GC contenders for the Grand Tours. According to Benson, it’s now just a matter of time before official communication is released by both teams.
Interestingly, Gee was slated to be a team leader for Israel Premier-Tech in this Vuelta. However, at the last minute, he was left out of the team selection. Whether this is connected to his imminent departure from the squad remains unclear. Initially, the team cited a training incident as the reason Gee couldn’t start the Vuelta.
Leader for the Grand Tours
INEOS Grenadiers gains Gee as the GC contender for the Grand Tours they have been desperately seeking. Although the Canadian is already 28, Gee is a late bloomer. It was only two years ago that he had his first season in the pro peloton. In that season, he already finished second in four Giro d’Italia stage finishes.
In recent years, Gee has started collecting wins. In 2024 he won a stage at the Dauphiné, while this year he took the overall victory at O Gran Camiño. In this year’s Giro d’Italia, he secured fourth place in the general classification.
