Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection 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.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
