Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.