Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
