Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right 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 followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement 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 their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
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 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 shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
