Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced 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 keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken 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 Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
