Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced 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 work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
