New year, who ‘dis? Will Lidl – Trek be soon announcing that Osgoode, Ont.’s Derek Gee-West is onboard?
Earlier this month several rumours suggested national champion Derek Gee-West could soon join WorldTour team Lidl-Trek. That was following a, well, turbulent exit from Israel-Premier Tech.
On Dec. 13, journalist Daniel Benson said it was all but a done deal. He was previously linked to Ineos Grenadiers, but with the signing of Oscar Only, the Lidl-Trek team makes more and more sense.
The 27-year-old left Israel-Premier Tech in August, despite a contract through 2028 with its successor, NSN Cycling. He cited personal safety concerns tied to the Israel–Hamas war, particularly pro-Palestinian protests during the Vuelta a España, which he said created unsafe conditions for riders.
His former team disputed the departure and filed a UCI case, reportedly seeking €30 million in damages. Meanwhile, Gee’s Giro d’Italia performance solidified his status as a strong all-rounder, making him an attractive target for top teams. Lidl-Trek could offer him stability and a clear GC pathway.
Gee-West has not raced since winning the 2025 national championships. If he joins Lidl-Trek, he would join two other Ontarian Canadians already on the team, Isabella and Ava Holmgren. The twins signed with the now German team in 2024, and have already made quite the mark on the road in the Women’s WorldTour.
Some folks on social media also said he had been seen at the Lidl – Trek training camp this month. Although there have been photos, he was not in them. But maybe they are waiting until Jan. 1 to let the news be official?
A certain CCM staffer noticed something as well.
Up to Dec. 14, Gee-West was using a Garmin 840 head mount.
A week later? He began recording his rides using a Wahoo Element Roam 3.
Wahoo sponsors Lidl – Trek. Connection? We think so.
Until tomorrow. (Canadian Cycling Magazine has of course reached out to Gee-West, but we may have to wait for something official.)