Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed 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 has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
