Derek Gee Ready to Race Again After Contentious Contract Dispute with Israel-Premier Tech
January 19, 2026 – After a tumultuous period marked by a high-profile contract dispute and legal battles, Canadian cyclist Derek gee is eager to refocus on his racing career with his new team, Lidl-Trek. The 28-year-old Grand Tour hopeful expressed a sense of relief and renewed motivation as he prepares for the 2026 season, putting the drama with his former team, Israel-Premier Tech, firmly in the past.
Gee’s departure from Israel-Premier Tech last summer sparked a contentious legal battle initiated by team owner sylvan Adams, who sought a staggering $30 million in damages – an unprecedented sum in the world of professional cycling.The dispute played out publicly, casting a shadow over Gee’s future and forcing him to train independently while the case was settled through arbitration.
“I’m not going to exaggerate and say it was fine. It was a very tough period,” Gee stated on Wednesday.“It’s not something that’s stuck with me. It hasn’t lingered, and honestly, I feel fresh, motivated, and ready to get back to the peloton.”
A Bitter Split and Political Undertones
The circumstances surrounding Gee’s exit were complex, coinciding with a period of heightened political sensitivity related to the israeli invasion of Gaza. While Gee has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, the timing of his departure fueled speculation that he was uncomfortable with the team’s pro-Israeli stance.
In an interview with Spanish daily El País,Gee acknowledged having personal beliefs but refrained from directly linking them to his decision to leave. “I have my own beliefs, like anyone else, but it’s complicated,” he said. “There’s no good way to express your political opinion without being rejected. I didn’t want to use what was happening in the Gaza Strip as a scapegoat to get out of my contract. I didn’t think it was fair.” [1]
The situation was further complicated by protests during the Vuelta a España, targeting Israel Premier Tech and leading to changes in team ownership and sponsorship. The team has since restructured and is now operating as NSN Pro Cycling Team.
A Fresh Start with Lidl-Trek
Gee’s move to Lidl-Trek represents a new chapter in his career. He emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity and his excitement about joining a team with aspiring goals.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better landing spot,” he said. “The team’s been really great so far. I can’t wait to get back to racing.” [2]
Reports linking him to Ineos Grenadiers proved unfounded, and Gee is now fully focused on contributing to Lidl-Trek’s success in Grand Tours. He believes the team provides the resources and expertise he needs to reach his full potential.
“The resources here and the expertise are immense,” Gee explained. “The goal, being on a team like this, is to shoot for the podium. I hope this team can help me take another step.”
Returning to Competition
Despite the lengthy legal battle, Gee remains confident in his physical and mental readiness to compete at the highest level. He likened his time away from racing to recovering from a broken collarbone, a temporary setback rather than a career-altering injury.
Gee last raced in Europe at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, where he finished fourth overall. He is scheduled to return to competition with a series of races including the Volta ao Algarve, Volta a Catalunya, and the Tour of the Alps, building towards another attempt at a strong finish in the Giro d’Italia.
“I went pro by today’s standards very late, at 25, and so I’ve done three seasons. I only started riding GC at the Dauphiné in 2024,so I think there’s still a ton to go,” he said. “It’s just one step at a time, keep trying to improve, trying to reach that next level.My goal is to reach the podium for now and just try to chip away bit by bit.”
The resolution of his contract dispute allows Gee to move forward, focusing on his passion for cycling and pursuing his ambitions on the world stage.He appears determined to put the past behind him and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. [3]
