Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view 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 €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
