Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view 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 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
