Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
