Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount 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 following over ten years.
