Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad 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 sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
