Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine 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 under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments 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 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
