Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 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 called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly 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 conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
