Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement 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 during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
