Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting 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 "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
