Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
