Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
