Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
