Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
