Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed 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 conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing 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 shared that this situation reinforce his view 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. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
