Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
