Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
