Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, 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 the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.