Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement 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 UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments 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 sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
