Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
