Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.