Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
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. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.