Israel-Premier Tech officials confirmed it is fighting to keep Derek Gee under contract and on its roster despite reports he will join Ineos Grenadiers.
The team issued a statement Friday morning after a flurry of reports linking Gee to Ineos Grenadiers in a blockbuster transfer.
“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,” a team note read.
“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.”
Gee’s apparent move was first revealed by Daniel Benson and La Gazzetta dello Sport, who both reported Friday morning that a deal could be imminent.
Officials at Ineos Grenadiers did not immediately respond to inquiries from Velo, but IPT soon issued its official statement saying it will fight to keep Gee on his current contract through 2028.
Gee was a surprise absence from Israel-Premier Tech’s Vuelta a España roster released this week, with team officials telling Velo that it was due to a change of plans.
IPT confirmed that Gee’s lawyers issued a “notice of termination” on August 9, but did not reveal if a deal with another team was in place.
Team officials insist that Gee’s current deal with IPT runs through 2028, and confirmed Friday it is working with the UCI and legal representation to uphold the current contract.
More to come …
Statement regarding Derek Gee pic.twitter.com/iU1RljiKFy
— Israel – Premier Tech (@IsraelPremTech) August 22, 2025