Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team 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 when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team 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.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain 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 the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
