Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech 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 left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
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.
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 will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.