Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
