Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
