Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, 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. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement 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.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
