Israel-Premier Tech challenge Derek Gee's contract termination notice

Derek Gee has issued a notice of termination to Israel-Premier Tech despite being under contract with the team until 2028.

Israel-Premier Tech released a statement on Friday morning, confirming that they had received an unexpected termination notice from Gee's lawyers on Friday, 9 August, amid ongoing discussions of current contract renegotiations.

"Israel-Premier Tech was unexpectedly issued a notice of termination from lawyers representing Derek Gee on Friday, 9 August," said Israel-Premier Tech in a brief press release. 

According to Israel-Premier Tech, "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."

The team are contesting the validity of Gee's termination, adding, "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."

Israel Premier Tech also stated that, "No further comments can be made at this time."

The Canadian champion was expected to appear at the upcoming Vuelta a España, but a somewhat surprising omission raised questions about his absence.

Gee has had a successful spell with the team to date, with the Canadian bursting onto the scene during the 2023 edition of the Giro d'Italia. He was rewarded with the most combative rider award in Rome for his efforts, which saw him finish 2nd on four stages, and 2nd in the points and mountains classification, also.

2024 saw Gee begin to explore his capabilities as a GC rider with a 3rd place finish at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where he also won a stage, before backing that performance up with an impressive 9th overall at the Tour de France on debut.

This season has continued to see Gee expand on his GC racing ambitions after winning a stage and the general classification at the Spanish stage race O Gran Camiño, before ending 4th overall at the Giro d'Italia in May.

Reports emerged on Friday morning from sources including Daniel Benson's cycling substack and Ciro Scognamiglio about Gee leaving Israel-Premier Tech, with the reports suggesting that a move to the British team, Ineos Grenadiers, is on the cards for the Canadian.