Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
