Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
