Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue 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 acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added 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 understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
