Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad 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 now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team 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 keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
