Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
