Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision 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 September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
