Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.