Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"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 – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
