Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, 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 emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite 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 during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
