Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after 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 weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
