Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, 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.
