Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, 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 noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.