Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.