Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a 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 were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
