Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken 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 moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
