Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand 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 called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
