Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
