Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
