Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated 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 continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement 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, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.