Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
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 Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
