Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced 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 continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
