Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim 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 called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated 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 stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic 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 of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
