Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, 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
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
