Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, 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 emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing 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 financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
