Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
