Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk 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 went on. "However, 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 an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
