Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed 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 weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief 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 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
