Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.