‘Not an easy decision, but one I made after careful consideration and for legitimate reasons’: Rising Canadian star breaks silence as contract dispute with Israel-Premier Tech heats up.
Derek Gee confirmed Monday he’s done with Israel-Premier Tech. The team says otherwise. (Photo: Luca Bettini/Afp via Getty Images)
Published August 25, 2025 11:47AM
Derek spoke publicly for the first time Monday since news broke last week that his legal team moved to terminate his long-term deal with Israel-Premier Techcalling his future with the team “untenable.”
On Friday, the team confirmed that the Canadian star’s legal representatives in early August formally ended the contract extension he signed through 2028.
IPT said last week it will fight to enforce the agreement, setting the stage for a potentially bitter legal battle.
“This was not an easy decision, but one I made after careful consideration and for legitimate reasons,” Gee said in a statement Monday. “Certain issues simply made my continuation at the team untenable.”
The 26-year-old also dismissed media speculation linking him to Ineos Grenadiers.
“I want to make it very clear, despite some current reporting, this decision solely concerns the termination of my previous contract with Israel-Premier Tech,” Gee said. “In accordance with UCI regulations, I have not yet signed with, nor even spoken to, any new teams.”
Gee’s statement ends several days of silence after media reports linked him with a shock exit from IPT to possibly join Ineos Grenadiers. Officials at the UK team have not publicly commented on the trade rumor.
Israel-Premier Tech countered Monday with its own message:
“Israel-Premier Tech remains firm in its stance that Derek Gee’s contract with the team is valid. The situation is now in the hands of the UCI and legal representatives to resolve. No further comments can be made at this time,” the team said Monday.
The Ottawa native has emerged as the most promising Canadian GC rider in a decade after a breakout 2023 Giro d’Italia and a top-10 in the 2024 Tour de France.
After hitting fourth at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, alarm bells flew when Gee was absent from the Vuelta a España start list. There are no races on Gee’s calendar.
With a growing war of words, it seems his immediate future depends on the outcome of a pending contract fight.
Here is Derek Gee’s full comment:
“I confirm that my contract with Israel-Premier Tech has been formally and duly terminated by my legal representatives. This was not an easy decision, but one I made after careful consideration and for legitimate reasons. Certain issues simply made my continuation at the team untenable.
“I want to make it very clear, despite some current reporting, this decision solely concerns the termination of my previous contract with Israel-Premier Tech. In accordance with UCI regulations, I have not yet signed with, nor even spoken to, any new teams.
“I wish to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff and riders I had the privilege of working with in my time in the organization.”
