Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, 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 linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize 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 – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, 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 just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
