Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit 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 was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
