Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken 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 deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
