Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.