Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
