Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
