Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand 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 this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
