Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, 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 an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
