Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
