Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
