Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad 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 sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
