Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
