Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive 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 continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after 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 weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
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 as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, 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 an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team 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.
