Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
