Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team told 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 has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
