Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing 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 the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement 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.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
