Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors 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 currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
