Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated 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 related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – 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 correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
