Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
