Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim 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 described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing 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. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
