Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee 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 decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted 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 safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
