Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
