Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
