Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive 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 stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter 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 their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
