Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice 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, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed 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 €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
