Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished 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 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 in the current situation," Gee explained 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 serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter 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 comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated 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 continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
