Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
