Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
