Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
