Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement 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 throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
