Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, 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 pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement 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, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
