Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered 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.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being 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 keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
