Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
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 international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
