Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.