Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract 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 went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
