Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
