Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
