Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – 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 the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
