Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
