Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
