Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.