CYCLING MARKET | Juan Ayuso out of UAE? Derek Gee breaks contract with Israel & Biniam Girmay could join Tadej Pogacar

The cycling transfer market is at full speed currently this week as many teams have announced high-level signings into the 2026 season. However it is the rumours and difficult contract situations that have swarmed the headlines this week with big names such as Juan Ayuso, Derek Gee and Biniam Girmay quite likely to all leave their current teams and contract to find new homes towards the next season.

Although it's been a pretty packed week, the most compelling story is definitely Derek Gee's, who is breaking his contract with Israel - Premier Tech, albeit not with the team's consent which has led to a situation that is currently unresolved and unclear. Daniel Benson first reported that a deal could be happening involving INEOS Grenadiers, backed up by Ciro Scognamiglio. But there is at the moment no clarity on what the Canadian's future will involve.

In a statement issued by himself, he wrote: "I confirm that my 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 reason. 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".

The team issued its own statement: "Israel - Premier Tech was unexpectedly issued a notice of termination from lawyers representing Derek Gee on Friday, 9 August. Gee, who is contracted with Israel - Premier Tech until 2028, having signed a five-year contract extension in 2023, had been engaged in discussions with team management to renegotiate the conditions of his current contract. Israel - Premier Tech firmly believes that Gee's contract is valid until 2028 and is engaged in continued discussions with Gee's representatives and the UCI to resolve the situation and uphold the respective contract. No further comments can be made at this time".

Lots of signings have been confirmed this week, involving some very meaningful ones. Whilst not involving huge names, the outlook of the World Tour will see some changes, mainly over the departure of two more very important members of Alpecin-Deceuninck: Quinten Hermans departing towards Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and Gianni Vermeersch signing with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. Mathieu van der Poel's classics team continues to lose strength, and a lot of hope is deposites on Tibor del Grosso to fill in the empty spots.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike confirmed the long-awaited arrival of Italian puncheur Filippo Fiorelli who will be an interesting addition to the World Tour; whilst Tudor has made a flurry of signings in Stefan Küng and Luca Mozzato who will reinforce the team's cobbled classics status, alongside Swiss rider Robin Donzé. INEOS Grenadiers have also confirmed the long-rumoured Dorian Godon signing, as the French champion joins the British team that's having TotalEnergies as a new sponsor.

Lidl-Trek have announced the signing to two rouleurs coming into the team in Max Walscheid who could also be part of a new leadout for Mads Pedersen, and Pedersen's compatriot Mathias Norgaard. Bahrain - Victorious has signed Spaniard Pau Miquel; EF Education-EasyPost has signed Tour de l'Avenir stage winner Noah Hobbs, not looking to let the American go after his talent has been confirmed; and Italian continental team MBH Bank Ballan CSB has announced a trio of very interesting signings in Astana's Fausto Masnada, recent Czech Tour podium finisher Alessandro Fancellu and sprinter Davide Persico. The trio joins former World Tour pro Fabio Felline as the team may look to make the jump to ProTeam level in the upcoming years.

Besides Derek Gee's, two stories have marked this week profoundly - both featuring World-class riders who have an existing contract for the coming years. Juan Ayuso, currently at the Vuelta a Espana and just out of a popular stage win, has seemingly been coming closer and closer to a move towards Lidl-Trek. The American team has had a lot of money poured in when Lidl became its title sponsor not long ago, and it's confidently securing the future of all its current leaders. Now it seems like they are wanting to make a big move in the market.

According to Spanish news outlet AS, the rumours have a lot of traction and after weeks of wondering if the 22-year old's contract with UAE Team Emirates - XRG will go all the way into 2028, it is reported that it is close to being a done deal. Ayuso is not fighting for the overall classification at the Vuelta and with the rise of João Almeida and Isaac del Toro (as well as the omnipresent Tadej Pogacar) a move could be underway as Ayuso seeks more leadership.

And UAE might be involved in another high-level signing, that of Biniam Girmay. On paper a difficult one to have happening, but quite possible at this point in time as it seems ever more likely that Intermarché - Wanty will link up with the Lotto team, and the current World Tour team's license will no longer exist, leaving all the existing contracts open. Hence, Girmay, currently employed until 2028, could have an opening and there should be no lack of interest from rival teams due to his popularity and quality on the bike - Girmay being a three-time stage and green jersey winner at the 2024 Tour de France.

Teammate Laurenx Rex argued to Het Laatste Nieuws that Girmay would be signing with a 'Top5 team', which could mean an agreement has actually already been found between Girmay and a new team, but has not yet been made public. This is a story that could develop within the next few weeks.

Through Benson and Scognamiglio, it has been understoof that Caja Rural's Thomas Silva could have his current contract with Caja Rural bought out, but it is unclear which World Tour team he could be heading to. Astana could also renew with it's head sprinter Matteo Malucelli whilst Movistar is engaged with deep discussions with Lorenzo Milesi to extend until 2028.

Not much has happened in this field over this week. Last week Lidl-Trek has announced a flurry of extensions with it's sprinter Jonathan Milan and his leadout men, whilst Q36.5 also revealed their big moves in the market. With September at the door, many riders will be looking to perform to secure their future into the upcoming season.