Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
