After months of swirling rumours, Derek Gee’s future has reportedly been decided – official announcement expected within days
Cycling
After one of the most protracted and complex transfer sagas of recent seasons, Derek Gee is now reportedly set to begin the next chapter of his career with Lidl-Trek, with an official announcement expected imminently.
That is according to Ciro Scognamiglio of La Gazzetta dello Sport, who stated on Friday through his social media channels that the deal is already done and that confirmation is expected in the coming days.
If confirmed, it would finally bring clarity to a situation that has hovered over the transfer market since late summer, following Gee’s decision to cancel his long-term contract with Israel - Premier Tech.
From Giro breakout to contract dispute
Gee’s market value rose sharply after a breakthrough 2024 campaign, capped by a standout ride at the Giro d'Italia, where he finished fourth overall and emerged as one of the most compelling Grand Tour prospects in the peloton.
Just months later, the Canadian found himself at the centre of controversy after announcing he had terminated his contract with Israel-Premier Tech, a deal understood to run through to 2028. The decision triggered an immediate and highly public dispute, with the team disputing the termination and the case escalating towards cycling’s formal arbitration channels.
As the legal process loomed, public communication from all parties slowed dramatically, while Gee’s racing programme was disrupted and speculation about his next destination intensified.
INEOS rumours fade as Lidl-Trek move comes into focus
Early reporting linked Gee strongly with INEOS Grenadiers, fuelled by the timing of his contract exit and his sudden absence from late-season racing. However, as the dispute dragged on, those rumours gradually cooled without any visible resolution.
In recent weeks, attention shifted increasingly towards Lidl-Trek, with multiple outlets suggesting the American-registered team had emerged as the most likely destination once a pathway forward became clear.
Scognamiglio’s update now appears to confirm that assessment, indicating that the final pieces are in place and that official confirmation is imminent.
Gee will bolster Lidl-Trek's GC strength alongside Juan Ayuso, Mattias Skjelmose, Giulio Ciccone and Tao Geoghegan Hart
A defining moment for rider and market
For Gee, the move would represent both a sporting and symbolic reset after months of uncertainty, allowing him to refocus on racing rather than contracts and courtrooms. For Lidl-Trek, securing a rider of Gee’s profile would mark a significant addition to their Grand Tour ambitions.
Until the formal announcement arrives, the situation remains technically unresolved. But after months of silence, speculation and legal complexity, the transfer market finally appears to have its answer.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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Info @Gazzetta_it - As already reported, the move from this season of Derek Gee - 4° overall at last @giroditalia - to @LidlTrek is a deal done. Official communication is expected in next days, we understand from our sources @cycling_podcast
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