Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
