Osgoode, Ont.’s Derek Gee’s next WorldTour destination may soon be settled, it seems. Lidl-Trek is emerging as the likely landing spot, according to Daniel Benson.

Benson reported that several sources expect Gee’s move to Lidl-Trek to be finalized in the coming days, although the team has not yet made any public announcement. The long-time journalist is usually pretty accurate with transfer rumours. Gee, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, had previously been linked with INEOS Grenadiers, but that option appears to have cooled amid roster changes elsewhere in the peloton.

The Gee saga

The 27-year-old has been without a team since announcing in early August that he would leave Israel-Premier Tech, despite being under contract through 2028 with the squad’s successor entity, NSN Cycling. Shortly thereafter, Gee said his decision was rooted in personal safety concerns and his beliefs related to the Israel – Hamas war, which erupted after a deadly Hamas-led attack in Israel on Oct. 7

Info @Gazzetta_it – About the strong possibility of a move of Derek Gee to @LidlTrek from 2026 reported by Daniel Benson: “there are good chances” just told us a reliable source @cycling_podcast

— Ciro Scognamiglio (@cirogazzetta) December 12, 2025

Gee pointed specifically to pro-Palestinian protests that followed the peloton during parts of the Vuelta a España, saying the demonstrations created situations he felt were unsafe for riders.

Derek Gee goes in hard on Israel–Premier Tech split

His former team disputed his departure and subsequently filed a case with the UCI, with Gee later stating he was facing a damages claim reportedly worth a whopping 30 million Euro. On the sporting side, Gee’s Giro performance — where he emerged as one of the race’s strongest all-rounders over three weeks — has only increased interest from top teams. Lidl-Trek, which continues to strengthen its Grand Tour ambitions, would offer Gee a stable environment and a clear pathway as a GC option.

Fresh start?

For now, the situation remains unofficial. But if Benson’s reporting proves accurate, Gee’s prolonged period of uncertainty could soon be over, with an announcement expected before the end of the week.

Hugo Houle on his new team, Alpecin–Premier Tech

It’s still not clear if the previous owners are still involved with the rebranded Israel – Premier Tech team. Hugo Houle, however, Gee’s long-time teammate, recently announced he would be joining Mathieu van der Poel’s Alpecin – Dececunick team–which will be co-sponsored by the former sponsor of IPT, Canadian company Premier Tech.

After the tumultuous period for the team which reached its height during the Vuelta, the company said it could no longer continue–nor could its then bike sponsor, Factor–if the team rebranded. Although the team has no former affiliation with Israel–although it is registered there until the end of the year, it does have a few Israeli riders. Co-owner Sylvan Adams–who stepped down from day-to-day operations in the Fall, has also called himself an ambassador of the State of Israel.

Gee has not raced since the 2025 national championships, which he won. There are currently two other Canucks on Lidl – Trek, also from Ontario–Isabella and Ava Holmgren.

Canadian Cycling Magazine has reached out to Gee for comment, but has not heard back.