Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
