Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
