Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
