Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
