Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
