Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with 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 work under the existing circumstances," 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, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view 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. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
