Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
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 stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
