Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board 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 Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
