Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event 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 linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice 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 ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
