Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter 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 UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
