Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
