Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted 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 damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
