Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken 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 mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
