Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.