Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
