Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict 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 the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim 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 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. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
