Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
