Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as 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 these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
