Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement 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 noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
