Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments 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 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
