Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
