Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
