Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
