Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
