Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being 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 keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion 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, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
