Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
