Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
