Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, 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 just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
