Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly 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
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.