Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
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 personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
