Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
